Afghanistan makes agreement with France while still arguing with US

France has made an agreement with Afghanistan where French troops will continue training Afghan troops beyond the end of combat operations in 2014. Similar agreements have been made with Britain and Italy. The US has been able to make a similar agreement after a year of negotiations.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that he does not want to make such an agreement with the US unless "NATO-led night raids" are stopped. He holds the US responsible for the civilian casualties such operations cause, despite being NATO-led. Karzai also wants a handover of US detention facilities.

"The U.S. is our largest and most important ally. What’s important for Afghanistan is the quality of the document, not how fast we can rush the signature," said Janan Musazai, a spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry.

Blaming the US for civilian casualties of NATO operations seems like an attempt to appear strong and sovereign on Karzai's part while still leaving other means of support open. Kabul needs foreign aid to be able keep its influence in the country.