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By RICHARD LARDNER
The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA - Afghan President Hamid Karzai characterized neighboring Pakistan as an able partner in the war against pro-Taliban forces during a brief stop at MacDill Air Force Base, downplaying growing tension between the two countries just hours before a dinner tonight at the White House.
Karzai and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf have traded shots in recent weeks over how effective the other has been in dealing with militants dug in along the long, mountainous border separating the two countries.
AP Photo
“I’m not critical of Pakistan,†Karzai said, minutes before departing Tampa for Washington. “I’m simply seeking, as we all are, a more coordinated, more intense approach to the fight against terrorists.â€
“Afghanistan has to do more. Pakistan has to do more. All of us have to do more so that we end terrorism sooner rather than later,†he added.
Karzai was in Tampa for meetings with U.S. Central Command officials as well as coalition representatives stationed at MacDill.
Standing on the MacDill tarmac, Karzai was flanked by Army Gen. John Abizaid, chief of U.S. Central Command, and Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, head of Combined Forces Command in Afghanistan.
Karzai made special mention of the Florida National Guard, which has deployed units to Afghanistan to provide security and train Afghan ground troops.
“I’m grateful to the people of Florida, the people of Tampa, Central Command, and, of course, the United States of America,†he said.
Contact Richard Lardner at (813) 259-7966 or rlardner@tampatrib.com.
Why do we have the president of Afghanistan taking a tour of Macdill? Isn’t this somewhat of a bad idea? Macdill is operation headquarters for the middle east and the guy who runs the country the Taliban call home gets a tour? Osama bin hiding in his country and he’s put into power by Bush? Do any of you out there notice whats REALLY going on? Do you people at TBO.COM have the guts to post my comments?
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Posted by Dana St.Clair, St.Petersburg on 09/27 at 04:46 PM
though I understand Bob’s initial response - touring MacDil will be secured - he may get to see an office or two ,,, try to remember the statement, “keep your friends closes and those that may not be friends closer” - this president like other officials in that country face danger of assacination daily - I would like to add that this is NOT the time to play pattie cake ,,, our men of service deserve to go in and get the job done and come home - no more delays - lets get busy