The diplomacy news comes as the U.S.-led NATO occupation has formally completed its transfer of “security control” to the Afghan government. NATO forces are now officially deemed to be in a support role to the Afghan military up until their expected withdrawal in 2014. NATO commander Joseph Dunford told reporters he is no longer running the Afghan War.

Gen. Joseph Dunford: “Last week, I was responsible for security here in Afghanistan, and today, as a result of that ceremony, the responsibility is with the MOD (Ministry of Defense) and the MOI (Ministry of Interior) on behalf of President Karzai. And that is a significant change from yesterday to today. So it’s not just a function of intent, it’s a statement of fact, in terms of who is — who has lead security responsibility in Afghanistan.”