Karzai dependent on the West

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is dependent on the West for his political survival, writes Markus Bernath in the daily Der Standard: "The support of the US and the West for the Karzai government could unintentionally ... provoke a kickback that ultimately disfavours the Americans and Europeans. ... The US and its allies cannot declare they've won and withdraw after a certain amount of time has elapsed, in Afghanistan even less than in Iraq. Afghanistan needs a functioning administration, a sound economy and a society that can ward off the influence of extremists. Pending that it will once more become a haven for international terrorism. With massive troop deployment and a new aid plan the US wants to change things in Afghanistan. Perhaps Karzai realises that his survival also depends on the success of the West."

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