Sen. Gillibrand Concerned About Karzai
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said she had "grave concerns" about Afghan President Hamid Karzai as a long-term U.S. ally, but still noted signs of progress during her visit to his country.
Gillibrand spoke to reporters Monday after returning from a tour of Afghanistan and Pakistan last week with a Senate delegation.
She said that while the senators had productive discussions with Karzai, she's concerned that he hasn't taken a hard line against government corruption. The senators have said Karzai must curb corruption or gains being made on the battlefield could be lost.
President Barack Obama has set July 2011 as a target date to begin drawing down U.S. troops if conditions allow.
Gillibrand said she still supports that target.
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