Obama hails security deal with Kabul

US President Barack Obama has hailed the signing of a controversial security pact with Afghanistan, which allows about 10,000 American troops to remain in the war-weary country beyond 2014.

“Today we mark an historic day in the US-Afghan partnership that will help advance our shared interests and the long-term security of Afghanistan,” Obama said in a statement on Tuesday, shortly after the government of new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed the so-called Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) in a televised ceremony at the presidential palace.

Ghani was sworn in on Monday after a long and controversial election process. Ghani’s predecessor, Hamid Karzai, who had developed differences with Washington in the last year of his nearly 13-year rule, refused to sign the deal with the US.

Obama said the BSA permits US military forces to target militants and train Afghan security forces. “This agreement represents an invitation from the Afghan government to strengthen the relationship we have built over the past 13 years and provides our military service members the necessary legal framework to carry out two critical missions after 2014: targeting the remnants of al-Qaeda and training, advising, and assisting Afghan National Security Forces.”

Under the agreement, soldiers from Germany, Italy, and other NATO member states will join the 9,800 remaining US soldiers, raising the total number to about 12,500.

The agreement grants immunity to US-led troops operating in the country. It also allows the US-led forces to carry out deadly night-time raids on Afghan homes, which has triggered widespread protests in Afghanistan.

The US president went on to say that “we look forward to working with this new government to cement an enduring partnership that strengthens Afghan sovereignty, stability, unity, and prosperity.”

The United States and its allies attacked Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity remains in the country, despite the presence of tens of thousands of foreign troops.

AN/GJH