Karzai backs Obama's concept of hot pursuit inside Pakistan

Backing the 'hot pursuit' of Al Qaeda targets inside Pakistan, Afghan president Hamid Karzai has said he would fully support an American attack at terrorist hideouts in the neighbouring country that is based on actionable intelligence.

Karzai, however, said any decision to let US troops cross Afghanistan's border should be taken collectively by Pakistan,
Afghanistan and the United States.

"I would fully back president (Barack) Obama in attacking Al Qaida wherever they're found. If they're found in Afghanistan, I would fully back him in doing that. If they're found in Pakistan, I would fully back him in that," Karzai said in an interview to CNN.

"On the question of crossing troops from Afghanistan into Pakistan in pursuit of Al Qaida personnel, or for destruction of Al Qaida hideouts, or training grounds, or sanctuaries, this is something that the government of Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and the US must work together and agree upon together, and then implement," Karzai said in the interview that would be aired on Sunday.

Obama had said during his campaign that if actionable intelligence was found he would attack Al Qaeda hideouts in Pakistan, even without the approval of Islamabad.

Karzai said Obama is a great inspiration to the world. "I consider him a remarkably great person but I hope our friends in the West understand," he said.