No Troops, Then Little Aid to Afghanistan

A recent news article in the Chicago Tribune quotes a few U.S. officials saying that without the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan post December 2014 there is a very little chance of significant aid being sent to Afghanistan. The mistrust of the Afghan government stems from the extreme amount of corruption with both developmental and military aid dollars stolen by high-level Afghan officials (Karzai, of course, is the biggest thief). The presence of U.S. advisors and mentors would provide at least the chance that some of the aid money would be spent for the purpose allocated instead of ending up building an expensive Kabul villa or in some Afghan officials Dubai bank account. One would think that this would be a driving force to get the Kabul government to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement.

Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) Deadline - Not Really a "Deadline"

The deadline for the Afghan government to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States is fast approaching.  Except . . . the deadline is not really a "hard" deadline. The U.S. will very likely cave to Karzai once again and extend the deadline into early 2014 and quite possibly until after the Afghan presidential elections scheduled for April 5, 2014. Read more in a recent LA Times news article at the link below:

www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-us-afghan-20131220,0,5765695.story#axzz2o11A30il

Uncertainty Results in Karzai Refusal to Sign BSA

Karzai's refusal to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement is causing a large amount of confusion and uncertainty. This has been reflected in the political discourse, the economic indicators, and in future prospects for military and economic development aid. Read more in "Karzai Standoff on Security Deal Sows Uncertainty", VOA News, December 23, 2013.

Limited Options - If BSA Not Signed

A recent news article published by Reuters and penned by Missy Ryan explores the military options that the United States has in Afghanistan if the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) is not signed. Read more in "Analysis: Even if foreign troops leave Afghanistan, U.S. has some options" (December 23, 2013).

NATO Beginning SOFA Negotiations with Afghanistan

The Pentagon Press Secretary provided a statement on NATO beginning the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) negotiations with the government of Afghanistan.

“Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was pleased to learn that NATO has begun negotiations with the Government of Afghanistan on the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

“NATO's decision to move forward with negotiations on a SOFA is yet another demonstration of the international community's willingness to support Afghanistan after 2014.

“But, as both the NATO Secretary General and Secretary Hagel have made clear, the Alliance won't finalize their agreement with the Bilateral Security Agreement still hanging in the balance. The message of the United States and its allies in Europe is clear: the Bilateral Security Agreement should be signed without any more delay.”

The news release can be read at the link below:

www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16445

Iraqi Foreign Minister Tells Karzai "Sign the Deal"

The long-term foreign minister of Iraq told Karzai during a visit to Kabul to " . . . sign the deal . . ." with the Americans before it is too late. Read more about Karzai and the Bilateral Security Agreement at the following link - "A Top Iraqi Official's Advice to Karzai? Take America's Deal", The New York Times, December 17, 2013.

"Karzai's Dangerous Game" (NY Times, 19 Dec 13)

The New York Times has an op-ed contributed by Anatol Lieven (published December 19, 2013) examining the stance Karzai has taken on the Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States. The author states that Karzai is trying to garner nationalist support (among his Pashtun brothers) and also keep some sort of leverage on the United States with the upcoming Afghan presidential elections scheduled for April 2014. However, states the author, Karzai runs the risk of losing United States (and other Coalition) support and funding for his very weak government past 2014.

You can read the entire article at the link below:
www.nytimes.com/2013/12/20/opinion/karzais-dangerous-game.html

Karzai Playing Hardball . . . and Stupid

Karzai (the President of Afghanistan) is still playing hardball with the United States on the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). Despite overwhelming support for the BSA by the Loya Jirga that was recently held Karzai still is refusing to sign the agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond December 2014. Read more in a recent news report by the Voice of America.