Karzai Says Security Pact With U.S. Should Be Signed Next Year --- KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai signaled on Thursday that a security deal with the United States might not be finalized until next year, even if a grand council of Afghan leaders ratifies it this week. -- Speaking before the council, a loya jirga, that he had convened on Thursday to ratify the bilateral security agreement, Mr. Karzai told them: “If you approve this agreement, I want this agreement to be signed after the presidential elections. If you agree to sign this agreement with the Americans, we will ask for some time.” - More, AZAM AHMED - NYTimes