Why The Shift In U.S.-Afghan Relations?

Howard LaFranchi, CSM: What is driving a remarkable shift in US-Afghan relations?

On Tuesday, President Obama announced that 9,800 US troops would remain in Afghanistan through the end of 2015, a shift from a planned drawdown of troops.

Washington — When Afghan President Ashraf Ghani opened his visit to Washington this week by thanking American troops and taxpayers for their years of sacrifice in support of his country, it marked a remarkable shift in the US–Afghan relationship.

That shift is more than just a matter of tone.

There is no comparing the words of Mr. Ghani with the confrontational bearing and suspicious nature of his predecessor, Hamid Karzai. Mr. Karzai was convinced of official US maneuverings against him at every turn, and he railed against what he considered to be American disregard for Afghan sovereignty and the lives of Afghan civilians.

WNU Editor: One can easily say that realities on the ground have changed and made this shift possible .... Afghan Realities Prompt Obama to Slow the U.S. Withdrawal (Bloomberg) .... but it is also true that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has brought a new atmosphere and altitude towards U.S. - Afghan relations. There is no question in my mind that if President Karzai was still in power .... President Obama would never have agreed to keep troops in Afghanistan as he did today. Unfortunately .... this new policy brings a big price .... the Afghan war is not going to end soon for the U.S. .... Is the US War in Afghanistan Actually Over? (Jack Detsch, The Diplomat).

Afghanistan's President Begins His Visit To The U.S.

The Diplomat: Afghan President Begins US Visit

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah began a five-day U.S. visit on Sunday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani began a state visit to the United States today amid widespread reports that the scheduled withdrawal of a majority of remaining U.S. forces in Afghanistan may be delayed given concerns about Afghan forces’ capabilities.

The issue of the U.S. troop withdrawal schedule will be the most scrutinized issue during Ghani’s visit, but the Afghan president’s tour of Washington D.C. and New York is multifaceted.

Ghani, who recently marked sixth months in office after coming to power in a troubled national election, will be eager to discuss Afghanistan’s post-war development and reconciliation process, and prospects for private U.S. investment in his country.

More News On Afghanistan President Ghani's Visit To The U.S.

Afghan Policy-Wonk-Turned-President Visits U.S. -- WSJ
Obama, Ghani to discuss U.S.-Afghan relations -- CNN
Afghan president in U.S. today -- AP
US-Afghan Talks to Focus on Development, US Troop Levels -- VOA
Ghani Heads to Washington for First Visit as President -- VOA
Afghan president launches charm offensive to win over Washington -- The Guardian
Afghan President Visiting U.S., To Address Congress -- Radio Free Europe
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Address US Service Members at Pentagon -- Sputnik
U.S., Afghan Leaders to Meet This Week in Washington -- US Department of Defense
Ahead of U.S. visit, Afghan leader warns of Islamic State threat -- Reuters
Afghan President: Hopeful Talks With Taliban Could Start -- WSJ
Viewpoint: A clean slate for US and Afghanistan -- Michael O'Hanlon, BBC
Afghanistan president faces a delicate task on first official Washington visit -- Sudarsan Raghavan, Washington Post
4 Things to Expect From Afghan President Ghani’s Trip to the U.S. -- Michael Kugelman, WSJ
The importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan alliance -- Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, Washington Post