Karzai Speech Today on Deferral of Security Agreement

If you're covering President Karzai's speech, in which he talks about deferring the security agreement with the U.S., analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) can offer some insights. 

ISW Afghanistan analyst Mara Tchalakov says: 

"With deep divisions within Afghanistan over the right of legal immunity for American soldiers and contractors, as well as the right to conduct night raids in private Afghan homes, President Karzai is trying to buy time to build political support." 

"Waiting until the outcome of the election would not only buy time for President Karzai to build support, it would leave open the possibility of renegotiating issues that could prove problematic as the election nears."

"Despite the Obama Administration's efforts to allay Afghan concerns, President Karzai is likely thinking about his legacy and his comments that 'I don't trust them and they don't trust me' and 'During the past 10 years, I have fought them and they have made propaganda against me,' demonstrate how complicated and fragile the relationship is." 

If you'd like to speak with Mara Tchalakov or get additional comments via e-mail, please contact Maggie Obriwin at [email protected] or at 202-293-5550 x205. 

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