Staffan de Mistura

Afghans are preparing to take control of their own security in the lead up to the withdrawal of foreign combat troops by late 2014.

Seven areas of the country, incorporating about a fifth of the population, will be handed over to Afghan forces in July 2011.

Staffan de Mistura is the UN's special representative in Afghanistan. Is the West's exit strategy from the country on track - and will it leave Afghans any better off? He talks to Zeinab Badawi.