President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai are meeting at the White House this hour, for talks expected to focus on the war against terrorism and the U.S. military's role in Afghanistan.
Mr. Karzai has said he will ask Mr. Bush for greater collaboration on U.S. military operations in his country. He also said he wants justice for U.S. troops involved in the abuse of Afghan prisoners.
The United States has about 18,000 troops in Afghanistan fighting remnants of al-Qaida and the Taleban. The Afghan leader rejected U.S criticism of his anti-drug program, saying 30 percent of his country's poppies have been destroyed.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, a White House spokesman called Mr. Karzai a "strong and determined partner," and praised him for his poppy eradication efforts.
Information for this report is provided by AP.
