WORLD> America
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WORLD> America
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Obama: No quick decision on troops to Afghan war
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-17 11:38
Obama described that as disrupting the al-Qaida terrorist network so that it cannot launch attacks on the United States and its allies. "That has not yet occurred," he said. Harper, who has 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, said the Taliban do not constitute a viable alternative government, and in that sense progress has been made. He said, however, that "we are concerned about the strength of the insurgency" and in Afghanistan's ability to take long-sought, day-to-day responsibility for its own security.
Both Harper and Obama also sought to inject perspective into tensions over cross-border economic protectionism. The two countries share the largest trading partnership in the world, but Canada remains deeply worried about so-called Buy American provisions in the $787 billion economic stimulus package approved by Congress early this year. "There is no prospect of any budding trade wars between our countries," Obama said. Harper agreed but made a point of noting concern over trade snags. "These are important irritants," he said. "They are having some real impacts." The two leaders also offered an upbeat take on the global economic recovery heading into next week's talks of G20 developed and developing nations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "We both agree that although we are not out of the woods yet, that we've seen signs of stability," Obama said.
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