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According to reports, in a tragic development, a US soldier open fired on villagers near his base in southern Afghanistan. 16 people have been killed by the firing. This incident has added to already straining relations between the two countries after the Koran burning crisis last month.1
In another development, according to a US official, the United States remains committed to Afghan reconciliation despite the suspension of talks by the Taliban. "There is no likely resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan without a political resolution," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. The Taliban said they were halting preliminary talks with the US because Washington's message had been "erratic" - an accusation denied by Carney. Meanwhile, President Karzai called on NATO troops to leave Afghan villages. 2
- 1. “US soldier kills 16, deepening crisis”, Dawn, March 11, 2012 at http://www.dawn.com/2012/03/11/us-serviceman-detained-in-afghanistan-ove...
- 2. “US committed to Afghan talks despite Taliban suspension”, BBC, March 16, 2012 at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17393837