US General: Don't Abandon Afghans

Gen. Joseph Dunford says ending combat operations could threaten progress

The commander of international forces in Afghanistan has warned the international community not to turn its back on Afghanistan.

Gen Joseph Dunford told the BBC democratic progress could be threatened by the end of international combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014.

He said talks with the Taliban would be essential, sooner or later.

And without continued support from foreign politicians, he said citizens' basic rights were in no way guaranteed.