Karzai: Afghanistan needs 15 years of financial support

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said it will be at least 15 years before his government can pay for a security force strong enough to protect the country from the threat of insurgency.

Speaking at a news conference with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Karzai repeated his claim that Afghan security forces would take the lead in securing the nation within five years. But he said his nation would need financial help to pay the salaries and equip the growing army and police force.