To the surprise of American officials, Mr. Karzai then abruptly ended the negotiations over a long-term security deal.
In negotiations on the future troop presence, both sides were initially focused on concluding a long-term security agreement.
The attacks came at a delicate moment, when talks between Mr. Karzai and the United States over a long-term security agreement had reached an impasse.
First he broke off negotiations with the Americans on a long-term security agreement, then he boycotted the peace talks they had brokered.
It might take the gradual withdrawal of the United States to convince the Europeans that they need a long-term security strategy that deserves its name.
Auction-rate debt investors buy a long-term security, like a 30-year bond, and bid through brokers to set the coupon as frequently as weekly or monthly.
And at the same time, Mr. Maliki is negotiating a long-term security agreement with the United States that is unpopular.
Critical training and support from a smaller US and Nato mission depends on a new leader signing off on a long-term security deal with Washington.
He also called on the Iraqi government not to sign a long-term security agreement with the United States that is currently under negotiation.
Among the issues being discussed between Mr. Zebari and the presidential candidates is a long-term security accord between Iraq and the United States.
For that and other reasons, American officials said today that the current training mission will be replaced by a long-term security assistance and counterterrorism plan.
