Karzai calls for partnership with U.S., but with conditions

[No Joe]

Source: Washington Post

KABUL — President Hamid Karzai set the conditions for his country’s strategic partnership with the United States on Wednesday, saying that Afghanistan would allow long-term U.S. bases here as long as American troops stop conducting operations at night, searching homes and detaining Afghans.

Karzai’s comments came at the opening of a large assembly, known as a loya jirga, that drew more than 2,000 delegates from around the country to discuss Afghanistan’s future relationship with the United States, as well as the prospect of negotiating with the Taliban.

“We want to have a strong partnership with the U.S. and NATO, but with conditions,” Karzai said. “We want our national sovereignty and an end to night raids and to the detention of our countrymen.”

Karzai flew by helicopter from his palace to the jirga venue across town, a sign of the level of concern about possible Taliban attacks during the conference, which is scheduled to run for at least four days. Afghan security forces blocked several roads in Kabul and searched cars and pedestrians for explosives; government offices and many shops were closed.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/karzai-calls-for-parternership-with-america-but-with-conditions/2011/11/16/gIQAHIYUQN_story.html?hpid=z3

---

Long-term U.S. bases??? WTF?????

[msongs]

1. Q: so why are we still there Mr. Obama? A: Cuz my corporate bosses are making too much $$ to leave n