Mixed reaction in Afghanistan over French plans for an early withdrawal of troops.
Four French soldiers were killed Saturday by a suicide bomber dressed in a burqa.
French President Francois Hollande restated his plan to withdraw most combat troops from Afghanistan by end-2012, well before NATO allies, as he offered condolences to the victims' families.
On the streets of Kabul, there were mixed feelings over the early pull out.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) SAYED REZA A RESIDENT OF KABUL SAYING: " France is the only country leaving Afghanistan early. I don't think it will have a negative impact on Afghanistan's security. It was a decision made by new France president who promised his people during the election and he has to stand by his promise."
Others have their doubts about the future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Pashto) WALI JAN, RESIDENT OF KABUL SAYING:
"Afghan security forces are unable to provide security even with the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. Right now the situation is bad, if French troops leave, the situation will get worse.'
Violence has surged across Afghanistan in recent weeks, with the Taliban vowing to target the Western-backed Afghan government as well as foreign troops serving in the country.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
