An Afghan official says Washington has pledged in the newly agreed strategic pact to help defend Afghanistan militarily for at least a decade after Afghans formally take control of their own security.
Afghan National Security Adviser Rangin Dadfar Spanta, addressing lawmakers on Monday, laid out the terms of the deal agreed by both countries on Sunday.
He says the U.S. is ready to come to Afghanistan's aid against its foes, but only with Afghan approval. He quoted from the pact, saying the U.S. will use "diplomatic means, political means, economic means and even military means."
The agreement still must be reviewed in both countries and then signed by the U.S. and Afghan presidents.
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