Though the US insists there are still details to be worked out, reports suggest that the Bilateral Security Agreement (PDF) is more or less finalized.
The deal will reportedly allow US night raids on Afghan homes to continue in “exceptional circumstances.” There are reports about the US admitting to “mistakes” as part of the deal, though the US says it will never “apologize” for anything.
The most disturbing aspect is that while previous reports had suggested that the document would open up the US to stay beyond 2014 through 2024, indications are that there will be no such deadline, and the text explicitly says it will remain in effect “until the end of 2024 and beyond.”
The pact makes no mention of the size of the occupation force, but Afghan officials say they envision it being between 10 and 15 thousand. US officials suggested that may include NATO troops as well as US troops.
