In Afghanistan, the gathering of the 'loya Jirga' has endorsed President Hamid Karzai's plan to allow long term US bases on Afghan soil.<br /> <br />Karzai insists the country's parliament will still have the final say on the shape of any strategic partnership. <br /><br />The decision at the meeting brings the prospect of a long-term US presence in Afghanistan one step closer.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Kabul.
