Despite the violence which has purportedly erupted over Koran burning by U.S. troops, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker claims the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan remains strong.
The U.S. plans to spend $11.2 billion this year on its efforts to ready the Afghan army, $5.7 billion in 2013, and then about $4 billion a year into the foreseeable future after U.S. ground troops withdraw for good in 2014. For the latter funds, the U.S. is hoping for contributions from NATO allies. Yesterday all NATO advisers to the country were pulled out of Afghan ministries in Kabul, after two American officers were murdered inside the Interior Ministry building, one of the most secure.