Strategic Agreement Marks Beginning of the End of War in Afghanistan

Washington, D.C. – President Obama arrived in Kabul today to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan that will outline the two countries’ relationship after U.S. troops withdraw. In response to this agreement, Human Rights First’s Dixon Osburn has issued the following statement: “The strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan signed by President Obama and President Karzai marks the beginning of the end of the war in Afghanistan. While threats persist, war should not. Those who attacked us on 9/11, and those who harbored them, have been defeated. The United States should move into a new phase of countering terrorism threats that shifts us away from a persistent global war footing towards a smarter, more calibrated approach. Using the  right tools in intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, economic aid and sanctions, as well as defense not only targets terrorism better, it saves blood and treasure. One thing we will look for in the pact is assurance that the United States will abide by its obligations under international law and ensure that detainees transferred from U.S. custody are treated humanely and afforded due process of law by Afghan authorities.”