One Step Forward, One Step Back On U.S.-Afghan Security Deal

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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 24 November 2013

“Thomas Ruttig, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, an independent research organization in Kabul, suggests that Karzai could be trying to gain leverage ahead of the election.

‘Karzai is afraid the Americans will [meddle] in the election against his interests,’ Ruttig says. ‘Partly, he has a point. The Americans have [meddled] in elections in Afghanistan earlier on’ — mainly in Karzai’s favor, according to Ruttig, although Washington has dismissed such accusations. ‘Karzai has not forgotten that the Obama team, during its first election campaign [in 2008], openly spoke about having Karzai replaced.’ …

Ruttig says Karzai might be trying to force Washington’s hand [on Taleban talks, too].

‘Apparently, Karzai assumes that the Americans continue talking to the Taliban. From that, he draws the conclusion that they should help him start his own talks with the Taliban before the elections,” Ruttig says. “He wants to delay his signature of the agreement until he sees whether the Americans are delivering on that or not.'”