US President Barack Obama's speedy visit to Afghanistan is aimed at winning the domestic election and shows confidence in Kabul's government, experts said on Wednesday. "Obama's visit serves his re-election," said Jin Canrong, an expert on American studies at Renmin University of China. "He is attempting to show the capacity and strength of his government and win the trust of voters. "Security is a big problem for Afghanistan after NATO's military withdrawal, Obama needs to encourage the Afghanistan government." To mark the anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death, Obama paid his third visit to Afghanstan on Wednesday, signing a strategic pact with Kabul and delivering an election-year message to Americans that the war is winding down, Reuters said. During his trip, Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a strategic partnership agreement that sets out a long-term US role in Afghanistan. The deal may provide Afghans with reassurances that they will not be abandoned when most NATO combat troops will leave as planned in 2014, according to Reuters. Republican candidate Mitt Romney, Obama's election rival, said he was "pleased" by Obama's visit to Afghanistan. "I am pleased that President Obama has returned to Afghanistan. Our troops and the American people deserve to hear from our president about what is at stake in this war ... Success in Afghanistan is vital to our nation's security," Romney said on his website. |