A day after arriving in Afghanistan, Presidential candidate Barack Obama met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on July 20, 2008. They discussed the illegal drug trade and U.S.-Afghan relations.BBC News: Obama gives pledge against terror (July 20, 20087)
Obama's Prior Criticism of Karzai Government
On July 13, 2008, Obama was interviewed about his foreign policy by CNN. Obama criticized the Karzai government by saying, "I think the Karzai government has not gotten out of the bunker and helped organize Afghanistan and government, the judiciary, police forces, in ways that would give people confidence."CNN: CNN exclusive: Obama on foreign policy (July 13, 2008)