In debate, Afghan candidates split on backing U.S. security agreement

Special to WorldTribune.com

During a lively American-style presidential TV debate, major Afghan candidates for presidency staked out contrasting views on the nation’s future ties to the United States.

Afghan presidential candidates participate in a debate organized by Tolo television on Feb. 4.

The immediate issue facing the nation is whether the Afghan government should sign a security agreement with the United States after NATO troops’ withdrawal from the war-torn county by the end of this year.

The signing of the agreement, known as the Bilateral Security Agreement or BSA, was initially sailing through smoothly until the incumbent President Hamid Karzai changed his mind and turned hostile to it and to the U.S.

Numerous high-level visits to Kabul by senior U.S. officials including Secretary of State John Kerry, could not change Karzai’s mind, nor did they alleviate his hostility toward the Americans.

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Afghan candidates split on backing U.S. security agreement, Bilateral Security Agreement, Hamid Karzai, In debate, John Kerry

In debate, Afghan candidates split on backing U.S. security agreement added by World Tribune on February 18, 2014
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