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Afghans demand 'new troops deal'
The Afghan government says it wants to renegotiate the terms of foreign forces in their country after more than 90 civilians were killed in a US bombing.
Supply lines from the south are stressed by the Talibunnies and ISI. Supply lines from the north may be cut by Vlad. And Karsai is making faces at us. Okay, that's it, we're outta there ...
International troops are in Afghanistan to help provide security, particularly in a fierce counter insurgency campaign against the Taleban.

But in recent months there has been increased anger over the issue of civilian casualties. Two senior Afghan military commanders have been sacked over the air strike.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who ordered the dismissals, had previously criticised US forces for "unilateral operations" over the strike in west of the country. But he later appeared to suggest Afghan forces were partly to blame, ordering the removal of a general and a major.

The US originally said its strike had killed 30 militants. It is looking into the claims of many civilian deaths.

The Afghan cabinet said the review should focus on limiting the authority and responsibilities of international forces and demand an end to air strikes on civilians and illegal searches and arrests.

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul says the cabinet resolution seems to have been prompted by the latest killings. It is not immediately clear whether this resolution is an act of political posturing or if it will have serious consequences for the future, he adds.

But, our correspondent says, the resolution is bound to worsen relations between the Afghan government and international forces stationed in the country.
Posted by: Fred 2008-08-26
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=248244