Afghan leader meets US official following rebuff

The U.S. national security adviser met Afghan President Hamid Karzai Monday in Kabul, while the Pentagon urged the leader to change his mind and sign a security pact that would allow thousands of American troops to stay in the country beyond a 2014 withdrawal deadline.

Karzai's decision to ignore Sunday's recommendation to sign by an Afghan assembly of dignitaries has cast doubt on the future presence of thousands of American and allied troops with the main mandate of training and mentoring Afghan soldiers and police to face a persistent Taliban insurgency. (AP)