Karzai Bets that U.S. Warning on Security Pact Is a Bluff

By ROD NORDLAND and ALISSA J. RUBIN, NYT

KABUL, Afghanistan — When President Hamid Karzai met with an audience of supporters gathered by the Afghan state television network, RTA, six months ago, he was asked what he would consider a favorable conclusion to the security negotiations he was conducting with the United States.

“It is favorable if they surrender to us,” he said.

Another question: But what if instead they just left?

He smirked, then said: “The U.S. has come and will not go, brother. It does not go. Therefore, ask for your demands and don’t worry.”

That unguarded moment in front of a friendly audience speaks volumes about the impasse between Mr. Karzai and his American allies.

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