Afghan President Hamid Karzai has accused NATO forces of failing to bring stability to the war-torn nation.
Mr Karzai says the NATO campaign has caused a lot of suffering in Afghanistan, despite the loss of thousands of coalition soldiers, and billions of dollars spent on military operations.
As he prepares to hand over power after 12 years as president, Mr Karzai was forthright about he said were the failings of western military forces in his country.
"On (the) security front, the entire NATO exercise was one that caused Afghanistan a lot of suffering and a lot of loss of life. And no gains because the country is not secure."
The BBC reports the president says his first responsibility is to protect the Afghan people and for him the civilian casualties have been too high.
Mr Karzai also says he's talking to the Taliban and urging them to contest the forthcoming elections.
