U.S. may make security deal after Karzai leaves

Feb 11, 2014, 2:08 AM EST
Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan speaks during the Opening Ceremony & Leaders Panel at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum at ExCel on October 29, 2024 in London, England.
AFP/Getty Images

Frustrated about prospects of getting Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign a long-term security deal, the United States is considering waiting until he leaves office before completing the pact and deciding on a troop presence beyond 2014, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. "If he's not going to be part of the solution, we have to have a way to get past him," the Journal quoted a senior U.S. official as saying. "It's a pragmatic recognition that clearly Karzai may not sign the (deal) and that he doesn't represent the voice of the Afghan people." The White House, asked about the report, said it was standing by its previous comments on the issue.
Background:
U.S. considers waiting on Afghan security deal until Karzai leaves: report [Reuters]