The US and Afghanistan have agreed to a long-awaited strategic partnership that will ensure the US’s involvement after the planned 2014 withdrawal of troops. The US will provide both military and financial aid for a decade beyond the 2014 date. Leaders in Afghanistan hope this will mitigate fears that US allies are not walking away from the conflict. After 10 years of war, insurgents remain a threat to Afghanistan. From the Guardian News Service:
“Today Afghanistan and the US initialled (sic) and locked the text of the strategic partnership agreement,” said Karzai’s spokesman, Aimal Faizi. “This means the text is closed, and both sides will now review the document and do a final consultation. In the US it will go to the houses of Congress and the president; in Afghanistan the president will consult with national leaders plus both houses of parliament.”
For a better understanding of how Afghans feel about US and NATO troops in their country, listen to these clips of Afghans sharing their perspectives on US/NATO troops, their presence, and their impending departure.
Ahmad, from Nangarhar Province, thinks that NATO must stay.
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Rozi Zalmai, also from Nangarhar Province, does not want NATO to stay and thinks their presence is not possible for peace.
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Malalai Niazi, from Kabul, does not think Afghan security forces are ready to take over responsibility.
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Abdul Wasi, from Kabul, is afraid if NATO leaves, civil war will begin.
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Iqbal, from Logar Province, thinks the Afghan military forces still need assistance.
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Mohammad Khalik, a soldier at Kapisa police headquarters, has seen changes over the years but still believes that keeping NATO forces in Afghanistan will be positive.
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