An assembly of Afghan elders are ready to make a deal with the U.S.<br/> <br />The assembly - known as the loya jirga - voted in favor of a security deal to allow U.S. troops to remain in the country past next year.<br/> <br />Now it's up to President Hamid Karzai to sign the pact into law.<br/> <br />Karzai, however, appeared uncertain if his final remarks.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHAN PRESIDENT, HAMID KARZAI, SAYING:<br/> <br />"While we're ready to give bases for Americans on our soil, we have a condition concerning security. Security from today onwards meaning from now on American forces are banned from launching operations on Afghan houses."<br/> <br />Karzai earlier said he would not sign until after a presidential election due next April.<br/> <br />The statement shocked the U.S. and drew criticism from one of his opponents, Abdullah Abdullah, a presidential candidate.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) AFGHANISTAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND KARZAI OPPONENT, ABDULLAH ABDULLAH, SAYING:<br/> <br />"President Karzai's m
