Obama to Afghans: US Seeks to be Partner, Not Patron

December 2, 2009 in Afghanistan, Corruption, Foreign Aid, Political, Special Report, Terrorism | 2 comments

Watch VOA’s Special Report below on U.S. President Barack Obama’s announcement of his new strategy for Afghanistan.

During his speech, President Obama explained the purpose of more troops is to break the Taliban’s momentum in the country and help lay the foundation for transitioning command from the coalition to Afghan security forces.

Mr. Obama also sought to reassure Afghans that the United States has no interest in taking over their country.  He said America seeks to isolate those who destroy and strengthen those who build in Afghanistan.  Watch my story below to see how Afghans reacted to the U.S. president:

Mr. Obama also had a message for the Afghan government: The time for writing “blank checks” is over.  U.S. officials have long warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai that he must address government corruption during his new five-year term.  The day before President Obama’s announcement, Afghan lawmaker Daud Sultanzoi told me that he thought the new U.S. strategy is premature.

Click here for the story.

Mr. Obama also promised that the United States will not abandon the region.  He said that ultimately, America wants to be a partner with Afghanistan and not a patron.

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  1. Debbie’s avatar

    Debbie on December 3, 2009 at 1:15 am

    Sean … thanks for the link to your blog site. I’ll add it to my favorites!

    You’re a long way from sitting at the restaurant across from the USDA school this summer.

    Take good care and I’ll be following along on your blog now.
    ~Debbie

  2. maria beatrice’s avatar

    maria beatrice on December 6, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    Wonderful VOA website for wonderful OBAMA’s words.
    Always I think: I’m FRIEND of USA, not “slave” of United States.
    The “false question” was created by the European intellectuals who said to the peoples: “AMERICA want you as a ’suddite’!”:(
    It’s a MISTAKE! It’s a BIGGEST FALSE TRUE in whole History of Humanity!
    Anyone who think himself as “suddite” of “Patron USA” lives himself as “slave or servitor” of any Nation or of anyone!
    I never thought to The United States of America as “Patron”.
    You’are my Brothers, my Friends, my TEACHERS and my … JOY, Beautidul Americans! & the US ARMY is my beloved Soldiers of LIBERTY, mine and of all others.
    Now, I want give my Special Thanks to Mr. President because finally HE cleared this fondamental point.
    Because only WE ALL TOGETHER forever, beyond these difficulties, WE’ll GO in The Future New World, into the SPACE:)
    Thanks VOA, You’re Beautiful like America The Beautiful:)