Karzai Heads to US for Talks

President Hamid Karzai left Kabul on Monday for talks with his US counterpart Barack Obama in a bid to discuss the Afghan withdrawal post the year of 2014.

During his three-day official visit, a decision could be made on how many US troops will stay in Afghanistan after 2014, officials have said.
“President Karzai will hold separate meetings with President Barack Obama and other high-ranking US officials to discuss various key issues,” Karzai’s office said after his departure.

Talks will focus on security, economic and political transition, equipping and strengthening Afghan forces, efforts to negotiate peace with Taliban and a security agreement with the United States, the office added.

Karzai has expressed support for keeping US troops in Afghanistan but sensitive details — including immunity for American soldiers and the transfer of detainees into Afghan custody — are still under negotiation.

The US Defense Department has reportedly prepared plans to leave roughly 3,000, 6,000 or 9,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

General John Allen, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, had earlier suggested leaving 6,000 to 20,000 US occupation troops, US media reported.