[MasterGunner01]

Karzai knows Obama wants to cut him loose. Without the Americans acting as backbone, NATO wants to cut and run.

Therefore, Karzai thinks he can cut a deal with the Taliban. Bad idea Mr. President. You'd better have a good escape plan because the Taliban promises are worthless as Obama’s.

[Toadman]

Understand and agree with you. I would add that the stats for the last 3 months suggest they (taliban) are getting their asses handed to them. I know it's the AP, but nevertheless:

"In the past three months, more than 300 insurgent leaders have been captured or killed, more than 850 lower-level militants have been killed and at least 2,170 foot soldiers have been apprehended."

IMHO I wouldn't be surprised if their reps to Karzai are saying "You have to act now or the deal is off" more out of desperation for a breather, than Karzai actually giving a rat's rear end for more than anyone but himself and his tribe. Notice he says the "intensity" needs to be scaled back.

I'm not in the know, so I don't know. Mostly educated conjecture on my part MGunner. I suspect you've a better read on the big picture. Kind regards brother and thank you for your service.

[Thidwick]

Karzai is reading between the lines, like half of America, and knows that he has already been cut loose. He’s scrambling to save his skin. I hope he can escape.

[Starboard]

Karzai is between a rock and a hard place. Exile may be his only real option.