That’s the night that the lights went on in Kabul (reuters photo)
The president of America did the sandbox head-fake this weekend, pretending to go to Camp David but really scrambling the pool for a secret trip to Afghanistan. As usual, there was some speculation about it all ahead of time among the press corps. FLOTUS is in New York, so a solo trip to Camp for the POTUS? That didn’t sound right. Then all the photographers were called into the Oval…it’s not exactly subtle. At any rate, he is over there.
After landing at Bagram, Obama headed by helicopter to Kabul where he met privately with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Then the two went before the press for statements. From the pool report (the WSJ is on the plane):
Karzai opened by welcoming Potus, noting it was his second visit but only 1st as Potus.
He said he wanted to “express the gratitude of our people for the help that America has given us for the last 8 years.”
He said they had a “good discussion,” and thanked US taxpayers for “the rebuilding and reestablishing the institutions in Afghanistan.”
Potus then thanked Karzai for his hospitality. “The American people are encouraged by the progress that’s been made.”
He mentioned his flight from Bagram: “in coming into Kabul, you could see the change in terms of increased electricity production.”
He said progress has been made militarily, but added “we aslo want to continue to make progress on the civilian process,” mentioning several areas, including governance, anticorruption, and rule of law.
He invited Karzai to DC in May, and Gibbs just informed us it will be May 12.
Lastly: “One of the main reasons I’m here is to just say thank you for the incredible efforts of out US troops and out coalition partners. They make tremendous sacrifices far away from home, and I want to make sure they know how pround their commander in chief is of them.”
After that, they all headed to Bagram for an event with the troops. More as it happens.
Karzai rehabilitated? Hmmm. The body language isn’t good. (afp photo)
