US seeks Afghan security pact by end of year

The Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) mapping out the long-term U.S. strategy in Afghanistan cannot be delayed until next year, declared the Obama administration on Thursday. The U.S. said it wants Afghan President Hamid Karzai to ensure the agreement gets the support of the Loya Jirga - or tribal council - before the end of 2013. "We believe that signing sooner rather than later is essential to give Afghans certainty about their future before the upcoming elections, and enable the United States and other partners to plan for a U.S. presence after 2014," said State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki. "The presence that sits in Afghanistan right now is a NATO presence," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest. It was initially reported - based on comments Karzai made in a private meeting - that some 15,000 U.S. troops would remain in Afghanistan in a non-combat role, but that number was dismissed at Thursday's briefing with reporters. "To be completely clear, the BSA does not address the number of U.S. forces that may be present in Afghanistan after 2014, nor does it commit us to have forces in Afghanistan," said Psaki, adding that only President Barack Obama has the authority to determine the number of military personnel on the ground. However Earnest provided further detail, stating: "What we're talking about post-2014 is on the order of a few thousand troops." "There will be a very specifically described mission. That mission will be focused on counterterrorism, fighting the remnants of Al-Qaeda that does persist in Afghanistan, that continues to pose a threat to the United States and our allies," he said. "The second aspect of that mission will be training the Afghan National Security Forces and ensuring they have the professionalism and skills that are necessary to carry that fight and to protect their country and to ensure the security of their country." Initial reports also focused on the BSA being a decade-long plan that would stretch the legal framework for the U.S. in Afghanistan through 2024, but Earnest stressed, "It wouldn't take that long." One of the foremost concerns for Afghans remains the night raids into homes conducted by U.S. forces, something the BSA would effectively put a stop to. "U.S. forces shall not enter Afghan homes for the purposes of military operations except under extraordinary circumstances involving urgent risk to life and limb of U.S. nationals," said Psaki. Karzai had highlighted the point to much applause from more than 2,500 tribal council members on Thursday. But the Afghan president also said he does not trust the Americans, something analysts believe he may be doing in a bid to placate members of the Taliban. "This is not necessarily about trust; this is about what's in the interest of both parties and both sides," said Psaki, adding: "But it is important to note that (Secretary of State John) Kerry and President Karzai have had a long, close working relationship." "They have worked through a number of ups and downs and tough times," she added. The text of the BSA states that no U.S. military operations can be conducted in Afghanistan "unless mutually agreed