US-Afghan security pact sends warning to al-Qaida
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A new strategic partnership that commits the US to defend Afghanistan militarily for 10 years after most foreign forces leave in 2014 is intended to signal that the US will not tolerate a resurgent al-Qaida or attacks launched by militants from neighboring Pakistan.
The agreement, parts of which were read out Monday in the Afghan parliament, is big on symbolism but light on substance. It leaves out specifics, including how much funding the US will provide to support Afghan security forces or how many US troops will stay on after the withdrawal deadline. (AP)
