Karzai: Taliban Controlled By Pakistan

Hamid Karzai, the president of Afghanistan, used to be the main fundraiser for the mujahedin groups that became the Taliban. If anyone knows who the Taliban's master is, he does.

Afghan and western officials have long accused Pakistan of not doing enough to stop terrorists from training on its soil and then crossing the border to attack Afghanistan.

Pakistan says it does all it can to fight the problem.

But Mr Karzai said: "The problem is not Taleban. We don't see it that way. The problem is with Pakistan. So, talking to the Taleban? Yes, we are. We are talking to Pakistan."

When asked if Pakistan was essentially the boss of the Taleban, Mr Karzai responded: "Absolutely. That has been the case from the very first day. That is how the Taleban came into being. It's more than a boss.

"The state of Pakistan was supporting the Taleban, so we presume if there is still any Taleban, that they are being supported by a state element."

Clear enough? India and NATO commanders say the same thing.

(Hat tip: Kat)