Karzai seeks world's help to strengthen Afghan Army, police

Last update: September 24, 2008 - 6:22 PM

UNITED NATIONS - Afghan President Hamid Karzai wants the international community to help strengthen his country's army and police, telling world leaders Wednesday that a more powerful Afghanistan can better fight terrorists.

Karzai, though, criticized casualties from foreign bombing raids, saying in an address to the U.N. General Assembly that the deaths can seriously undermine "the credibility of the Afghan people's partnership with the international community."

The U.S. command and NATO say the insurgents' tactic of shielding themselves with civilians is a significant part of the problem.

Karzai pushed for giving Afghanistan more power, saying the international community should redouble its efforts to strengthen the Afghan Army and police so they can more strongly fight terrorism and protect Afghanistan's people.

"Above all, Afghan-i-sation of the military operations is vital if the problem of civilian casualties is to be addressed effectively," he said.

His comments come as Taliban attacks grow larger and more deadly. This has been the most violent year in Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that ousted the Taliban's hard-line Islamist government.

At least 120 U.S. soldiers and 104 troops from other NATO nations have died in 2008, both record numbers. Overall, more than 4,500 people -- mostly insurgents -- have died in attacks this year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS