U.S. - Afghan Security Pact Near Collapse (Again)

US Troop Presence in Afghanistan Doubtful -- Voice of America

Delays in concluding a U.S.-Afghan security agreement have renewed debate in Washington over America's 12-year engagement and Afghanistan's future with or without a foreign military presence. Whether any U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan after next year is very much in doubt.

A deal for a residual U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan: it's what the Obama administration wants to finalize with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki:

“We want him to sign it as quickly as possible," said Psaki.

Karzai has set new conditions and wants to delay signing the accord until after next year’s elections, prompting U.S. threats of a complete withdrawal. The Afghan leader is overplaying his hand, according to analyst Anthony Cordesman.

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More News On The U.S. - Afghan Security Pact

Afghanistan's Karzai stands alone in high-stakes game with U.S. -- Reuters
US general warns Karzai on Afghanistan’s future -- Pakistan Today
U.S. General Warns of Risks If Karzai Delays Deal -- Wall Street Journal
US-Afghan Security Pact In Peril -- Anthony Zurcher, BBC
U.S. Threatens Karzai With ‘Zero Option’ -- Newsweek/AFP
Afghanistan: U.S. ambassador says onus is on Karzai to sign pact -- L.A. Times
U.S. may leave Karzai out of Afghanistan security pact -- L.A. Times
White House seeks other ways to get Afghan security pact signed -- UPI
News Wrap: Hamid Karzai sets conditions for his signature on U.S. security deal -- PBS
Karzai Calls U.S. Obstacle to Peace in Afghanistan -- Wall Street Journal