Afghan Elders Endorse U.S. Troops’ Presence But President Karzai Still Refuses To Sign [View all]
Source: Washington Post
By Tim Craig, Updated: Sunday, November 24, 3:16 PM
KABUL — An emotional showdown between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and 2,500 tribal elders here on Sunday ended with some — but not all — of what the United States was hoping for.
The elders endorsed an agreement under which the United States will continue to provide advice and training to Afghan security forces, and conduct counterterrorism operations, after the withdrawal of international combat forces at the end of next year. Although President Obama has yet to indicate the size of a potential post-2014 force, most estimates are that it would include up to 10,000 troops.
Delegates said it was in Afghanistan’s “vital national interest” to have a partnership with the United States, and urged Karzai not to delay the signing of the bilateral security agreement until after the country holds elections in April.
“President Karzai should promise us, he should sign the [agreement] as soon as possible,” said Sibghatullah Mojadidi, the former Afghan president who chaired the four-day gathering, known as a loya jirga. “This agreement will be beneficial for the people.”
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