On the streets of Kabul, many residents said they oppose Obama’s plan to send 10,000 more US troops to Afghanistan.

Mohammed Madani: “The situation is getting worse here, even worse than Iraq. If the US government sends more troops here, the violence will increase. For example, when we see a group of US soldiers walking here, it doesn’t make us feel safe. Our Afghan forces are capable enough to ensure the security of Afghanistan. The US government should focus on other needs of Afghans, not the military.”

Afghans also criticized Western officials for not doing more to help the Afghan people.

Ramazan Jan: “There have not been any changes to the lives of ordinary Afghans. The visits and presence of foreigners has not changed the lives of poor Afghans. I returned from Iran after twenty years there. I had the best life when I was in Iran. Now I have work like an animal in my country in order to feed my family. My life is worse now. What is the benefit of these Western officials coming and going?”