U.S., Afghanistan reach key aid deal

KABUL -- The United States and Afghanistan reached a deal yesterday on a long-delayed strategic partnership agreement that ensures Americans will provide military and financial support to the Afghan people for at least a decade beyond 2014, the deadline for most foreign forces to withdraw.

The pact is key to the U.S. exit strategy in Afghanistan because it establishes guidelines for any American forces who remain after the withdrawal deadline and for financial help to the impoverished country and its security forces. For the Afghan government, it is also a way to show its people that their U.S. allies are not just walking away.

"Our goal is an enduring partnership with Afghanistan that strengthens Afghan sovereignty, stability and prosperity and that contributes to our shared goal of defeating al-Qaida and its extremist affiliates," said U.S. Embassy spokesman Gavin Sundwall. "We believe this agreement supports that goal."

Neither Afghan nor U.S. officials would comment on the details of the agreement. A Western official familiar with the negotiations said it outlines a strategic partnership for 10 years beyond 2014.

After 10 years of U.S.-led war, insurgents linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida remain a threat and as recently as a week ago launched a large-scale attack on Kabul and three other cities.

The draft agreement was worked out and initialed by Afghan National Security Adviser Rangin Dadfar Spanta and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker. It must still be reviewed in both countries and signed by President Barack Obama and his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai.

The majority of U.S. combat troops are scheduled to depart by the end of 2014. But the United States is expected to maintain a large presence in the country for years after, including special forces, military trainers and government-assistance programs.

Reaching any agreement is likely to be seen as a success, given more than a year and a half of negotiations.

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said Obama expects to sign the document before a NATO summit in Chicago next month.