After nearly a year of negotiations, the US and Afghan governments have announced that they have finalized a first draft of the “Strategic Partnership Agreement,” a document aimed to formalize US military roles in the occupation of Afghanistan beyond the end of 2014, and through 2024.
The document was not released to the public, but likely includes what was announced as the official new position on night raids, though US officials have conceded that they don’t really intend to abide by this rule.
The other key area of dispute was President Hamid Karzai’s demand for the document to oblige the US to pay the Afghan government a minimum of $2 billion annually. There was no indication whether this ended up being included in the draft.
Exactly how close the agreement is to finalization isn’t clear either. A statement from Karzai’s office claimed it was “ready for signature” but the Obama Administration would only term it “close to complete.” The draft will have to be approved by Afghan parliament, but as with the Iraqi Status of Forces Agreement the US Congress is unlikely ever to discuss it.
Easy give Karzai 25% of the heroin money….that should work.
Controlling the drug trade, particularly with respect to opium, is at the crux of our presence in Afghanistan. We also pay Columbia a lot of money annually so we can have a presence there because illegal cocaine is so valuable.
I fi nd it telling that the US has already declared that it has no intention of adhering to the letter of the "Strategic {Partnership Agreement" in regards to "nght raids." While the US is signatory to numerous treaties and conventions which are codified to protect innocent civilians and respect other human rights issues while conducting war, it has routinely violated many of them. Any researcher can lcoate a vast treasure trove of instances where the US has broken many laws and has instigated calls for war crimes tribunals. This call for justice, however, resulted in Obama passing legislation that essentially immunizes Americans from prosecution. And we refer to others as "terrorists?"
Wonder if it dealt with immunity for US troops …
According to several reports the war in Afghanistan has already cost the US $ 500 billion dollars in addition to thousands killed and crippled for life. The 2024 deal would seal our presence in that country for close to 25 years, entailing more billions and more killed and maimed for life. Some predicament!
I don't think I've ever heard of an occupied country demanding to be paid for being occupied. I wonder if Karzai will accept payment-in-kind – you know, we'll build schools, hospitals, and upgrade infrastructure for the Afghan people instead of cash? Didn't think so… You can't put a hospital in an Abu Dhabi bank, can you…
Perhaps Columbia, although their US trained {School of the Americas or something like that} military does most of the grunt work with CIA and DEA officials giving orders.
I guess if the American public was in favor of the ongoing occupation we would have went for a 20 year deal. Don't want to p*ss off the public after all.
This is insane. A quarter century and for what? This is nothing more than excuse to remain there FOREVER. Simply look to Korea and elsewhere and you'll understand how we never leave unless forced to. And, to top off this corrupt mountain of lies, I've heard rumor that the Imperium may plan to build yet another fort/embassy in this vassal state.
Does this need to be ratified by 2/3s of the Senate?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_Clause
2024?? Goddamn you stupid Americans you sure love bribing and begging and bullying people to be your friends! Could it end up as more costly than our "friendship" with Israel??
SO STUPID YOU SHEEP
You describe the majority of American citizens to a T. They are caught in what Paul Craig Roberts calls a Matrix and will think their government is the all encompassing force of goodness and freedom even after they have completed the police state that is well along towards completion.
2024…LOL! The Empire won't even last till 2014 much less till 2024. Talk about delusions!
The kids will pay the bill when they get rid of their student loan debts.