Karzai: Afghanistan will need $10 billion a year, but that’s a bargain

[Jefferson23]

** Bargains "R" US


At an international conference in Bonn, Germany, Afghan President Hamid Karzai unveiled the price tag for keeping Afghanistan stable and out of insurgent hands once NATO departs in 2014.

By Howard LaFranchi, Staff writer / December 5, 2011

Washington

Americans and other Westerners experiencing donor fatigue and facing steep budget cuts at home might have groaned upon hearing Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday as he unveiled the price tag for keeping his war-torn country stable and out of insurgent hands.

Speaking to an international conference in Bonn, Germany, about Afghanistan after international forces depart in 2014, Mr. Karzai said his country will require $10 billion a year in outside assistance for at least a decade: to maintain the new army and police forces and to keep the government functioning.

Karzai acknowledged to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and other international and regional leaders that the cost might sound high, but like a good salesman, he also pointed out that the price is actually a bargain.


With the international community (primarily the United States) currently spending about $140 billion a year on Afghanistan military operations, a whole decade of assistance following NATO’s departure would cost less than one year of current spending.

in full:http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2011/1205/Karzai-Afghanistan-will-need-10-billion-a-year-but-that-s-a-bargain

[Turbineguy]

1. ".....

I'm not greedy!"

[Citizen Worker]

2. What's ten billion a year compared to what's already been stolen in Vietghanistan? Will send the

loot all shrink wrapped on pallet boards so it's easy to steal?

[On the Road]

3. I Have Doubts About Whether That's True

but if so, it is a bargain.