Afghans display mixed reaction towards security pact with US

The people of Afghanistan have shown mixed reaction towards the newly inked security pact known as Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Washington. However, the majority of Afghans seems in favor of inking the pact in its earliest. "For a poor and militancy-plagued country like Afghanistan, it is necessary to have a strong ally like America and have friendly relations with the powerful nations in the world," street vendor Abdul Shakor, 28, told Xinhua. However, he was reluctant to support the permanent U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, saying whenever the country stands on its feet the American forces should go home. Shakor, a University graduate who had been out of job for two years welcomed the pact, hoping it could bring more jobs. "Inking BSA with America means continuation of U.S. and western nations assistance to Afghanistan and eventually creation of job opportunities in the country," he said. He said that he had worked for a non-government organization ( NGO) for five years, but the entity stopped operations two years ago due to lack of fund and increasing militancy, leaving some 80 people jobless. A middle school teacher, Abdul Rashid also supported inking security pact with America, adding the presence of U.S. military in Afghanistan would prevent Taliban militants from returning to power. "In the absence of U.S. forces, the Taliban would overrun the country within months, if not within weeks," said Rashid. He also was of the opinion that the face of Kabul has been changed in the presence of U.S. military and international community's assistance over the past decade, pointing at some newly constructed buildings in the city. Another citizen who introduced himself as Mullah Wafa lashed out at inking security pact with the United States, believing the pact would restrict religious activities and promote western cultures and life style, represented by bars, western music and night clubs. A traditional Loya Jirga or grand assembly of tribal elders and notables on Sunday approved security pact known as Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Washington after four days of intense debates. The 2,500-member Jirga also called on President Hamid Karzai to ink BSA before the end of 2013, a demand rejected by Karzai, who said that the pact might be inked after the next Afghan presidential elections slated for April 5. The BSA would allow the U.S. and its allies to keep 10,000 to 15,000 troops in Afghanistan after pullout of NATO-led coalition forces from the conflict-ridden country by the end of 2014. Meanwhile, more than 100 people staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday in Pul-e-Khumri the capital of northern Baghlan province, 160 km north of Kabulto express their opposition to inking the security pact with the United States. Terming the security pact as against the religious values and national interests, the demonstrators asked President Hamid Karzai not to sign it. On the other hand, a political party, Hizb-e- Haq-o-Adalat or Right and Justice Party, called upon President Karzai and the parliament to ratify the pact in a statement released here Monday.