Zardari: Afghanistan, Pakistan Need Support, Not Troops

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, right, shakes hand with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during a joint press conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, 6 Jan. 2009
Pakistani President Asif Ail Zardari says Afghanistan and Pakistan need more support, not troops, from foreign allies to battle insurgents along their shared border.Mr. Zardari said in the Afghan capital, Kabul, Tuesday that the countries have the strength and desire to fight extremist militants on their own. He said that, given the proper support, they could "do the job better and cheaper and easier" than their foreign allies.Mr. Zardari discussed security concerns, trade and other issues with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his first official visit to Afghanistan. Following their talks, Mr. Karzai said their governments have a new understanding and are committed to working together to fight terrorism.The countries' relations have not always been so friendly. Kabul in the past has accused Islamabad of not doing enough to handle militants using Pakistan to launch attacks on Afghanistan.Many al-Qaida and Taliban militants fled to northwestern Pakistan's tribal regions after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.Islamabad says it is taking measures to secure those border areas.