The Bilateral Security Agreement allows for 9,800 U.S. troops to stay in the country past 2014 to help train, equip and advise Afghan military and police forces. It comes as Taliban insurgents are increasing their attacks in an effort to regain control as most foreign troops prepare to leave by the end of the year.
The accord was signed a day after Ashraf Ghani was sworn in as Afghanistan’s new president in a power-sharing government in the first democratic handover of power in the nation’s history. Ghani’s predecessor, Hamid Karzai, who had presided over the country since shortly after the Taliban was driven from power in 2001, had refused to sign the agreement, souring relations with Washington.
A separate, status-of-forces agreement also was signed. It permits a small NATO force to remain in Afghanistan past the end of the year.
Under the BSA, as it is called here, American forces would keep some bases in the country. The agreement also prevents U.S. military personnel from being prosecuted under Afghan laws for any crimes they may commit; instead, the United States has jurisdiction over any criminal proceedings or disciplinary action involving its troops inside the country. U.S. contractors and their employees do not fall into this category and would be subject to Afghan laws.