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Karzai Blames US in 16 Civilian Deaths

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 25, 2009 1:56 PM CST

(AP) – President Hamid Karzai condemned a US operation he said killed 16 Afghan civilians today, even as his Ministry of Defense sent Washington a draft agreement that seeks to give Afghanistan more oversight over US military operations. The increased rhetoric comes as hundreds of villagers denounced the American military during an angry demonstration today. Karzai said the killing of innocent Afghans "is strengthening the terrorists."

Karzai in recent weeks has increasingly lashed out at his Western backers over civilian casualties, even as US politicians and a top NATO official have criticized Karzai for the slow pace of progress. The back-and-forth comes as Barack Obama's new administration decides whether to support Karzai as he seeks re-election later this year. Civilian deaths during US operations have been a huge point of friction between the Afghan government and US and NATO militaries.

Afghan villagers burn US flag during a rally against the US and Afghan governments after a US operation in their village, in Mehterlam, Laghman province, Afghanistan on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghan villagers shout slogans against the US and Afghan governments during a demonstration after a US operation in their village, Mehterlam, Laghman province, Afghanistan on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, arrives for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, right, in New Delhi, India, Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai addresses an opening session at Parliament in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Afghan villagers shout slogans against the US and Afghan governments during a rally after a US operation on their village, in Mehterlam, Laghman province, Afghanistan on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009. (Rahmat Gul)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai waves as he leaves after addressing an opening session at Parliament in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

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Karzai Blames US in 16 Civilian Deaths

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Hamid Karzai • civilian casualties • Afghanistan war • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Once Burned, Afghans Fear Repeat of 1989

Troop withdrawal could lead to instability, some fear

Afghan Officials: NATO Airstrike Killed 12 Children

NATO says the matter is under investigation

NATO Accidentally Kills Karzai Relative

Afghan president again calls for more care in avoiding civilian casualties

9 Children Killed in US Attack: Karzai

Officials say they were gathering firewood on a mountainside

Petraeus Suggests Afghans Burned Own Children

Participants at a recent meeting say comments offended Karzai

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Newser By Users

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