Permanent Bases for Afghanistan? -- Ahmad Majidyar

The drawdown will continue until the end of the foreign combat mission in 2014, when the Afghan security forces are expected to take over the fight against the Taliban.

Afghans, however, see the deadlines as unrealistic and worry that setting time limits emboldens the Taliban and encourages Pakistan and Iran to bolster their proxies to maximize influence once U.S. and NATO troops leave the country. -- Permanent Bases for Afghanistan?
Karzai Reiterates Opposition to Deployment of Foreign Troops in ...