Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for Nato-led forces to move out of Afghan villages and rural areas after a US soldier killed 16 civilians.
He told visiting US defence secretary that Afghan troops should take the lead for nationwide security in 2013.
Meanwhile the Taliban have suspended talks with the US over opening an office in Qatar.
The US has been trying to set up a dialogue with the Taliban in the Gulf state for some time.
BBC News - Afghan President Karzai tells Nato to pull back to bases
He told visiting US defence secretary that Afghan troops should take the lead for nationwide security in 2013.
Meanwhile the Taliban have suspended talks with the US over opening an office in Qatar.
The US has been trying to set up a dialogue with the Taliban in the Gulf state for some time.
BBC News - Afghan President Karzai tells Nato to pull back to bases