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Karzai Says Allies Have 'Miles to Go'

   VOA News 08 May 2010
   Afghan  President  Hamid  Karzai  talks  to  US soldiers at Bagram Air
   Field, 08 May 2010

Photo: AP

   Afghan  President Hamid Karzai has written in The Washington Post that
   the international effort in Afghanistan still has "miles to go" before
   security operations are successful in his country.
   President  Karzai  also  wrote  about  the  urgency  of addressing the
   problem  of  sanctuaries  "beyond Afghanistan's borders" where Taliban
   and other militants receive training.  The president said the problem
   "is far from solved."
   Mr.  Karzai  said  ending  night  raids and house searches, as well as
   transferring  control of detention facilities to Afghans will also "go
   a long way in setting us up for success."
   The  Washington  Post item comes ahead of the Afghan leader's visit to
   the  White  House  on Wednesday.  Mr. Karzai is hoping his visit will
   bring the political backing he needs for possible peace talks with the
   Taliban.
   The   Taliban   has  threatened  to  launch  a  new  offensive  across
   Afghanistan starting Monday.
   While  more  U.S.  troops  and  aid  are moving into Afghanistan, U.S.
   President Barack Obama has said he wants to start bringing U.S. troops
   home next year.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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