KABUL (Reuters) - Ordinary Afghans welcomed the deployment of an international security force on Friday, saying they hoped it would provide a safeguard against the ethnic violence of the past decade.
The only reservations voiced on the streets of the Afghan capital, Kabul, were that the security force should take a limited role and remain politically neutral.
Most Kabul residents say they are optimistic the new interim government, which takes power on Saturday, will hold and not be torn apart by feuds among tribal warlords now weary of war.
But the small, low-profile peace force -- the first foreign troops on Afghan soil since the Soviets withdrew in 1989 -- will provide an important reassurance, they said. The first troops of the force, a group of British Royal Marines, arrived overnight at Bagram Air Base north of the capital.