Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Says Taliban Could Make Comeback
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai warned the international community that the Taliban could return to take over Afghanistan, creating a situation "like that before Sept. 11, 2001."
Karzai said that progress was made in Afghanistan but stability in the country is far away.
"If we lose this fight, we are threatened with a return to a situation like that before Sept 11, 2001," said Karzai during an international conference in Bonn, Germany. "Our shared goal of a stable, self-reliant Afghanistan is far from being achieved."
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Karzai also asked North Atlantic Treaty Organization to continue to focus on Afghanistan even after foreign troops are removed in 2014.
"Your continued solidarity, your commitment and support will be crucial so that we can consolidate our gains and continue to address the challenges that remain," said Karzai.
"We will need your steadfast support for at least another decade...We will need training for our own troops. We will need equipment for the army and police and help to set up state institutions,” Karzai added.
United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said America would stay committed to Afghanistan. She also echoed Karzai's words citing there is much work ahead in the war-torn country.
"We have no illusions about the enormous obstacles that remain ahead in Afghanistan," said Clinton in prepared remarks.
Clinton also stressed the importance of Pakistan in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Pakistan did not send a representative to the conference.
"We could, of course, have benefited from Pakistan's contribution to this conference," said Clinton. “We expect Pakistan will be (a) partner going forward and we expect them to continue to play a constructive role."
The goal of the conference was to strengthen the relationship between the Kabul government and the international community.
Afghanistan has seen improvements since the extremist Taliban regime was removed from power. The economy has slowly grown and the new government has imposed a more democratic style, even holding elections for people to choose their officials.
