Karl Eikenberry, the outgoing US ambassador to Afghanistan, delivered an unusually blunt rebuke to Afghan leaders in an address to students and faculty at Herat University.

"I believe in this mission, and I also believe in the need for us together to prevail against terrorism," said Eikenberry. "And I also believe in the goodness of the Afghan people ... At the same time, I also believe in the goodness of my own people, the American people. ... I must tell you, I find occasional comments from some of your leaders hurtful and inappropriate. When Americans, who are serving in your country at great cost - in terms of our lives and treasures - when they hear themselves compared with occupiers, told that they are only here to advance their own interest, and likened to the brutal enemies of the Afghan people, my people in turn are filled with confusion and they grow weary of our effort here."

"Mothers and fathers of fallen soldiers, spouses of soldiers who have lost arms and legs, children of those who have lost their lives in this country - they ask themselves about the meaning of their loved one's sacrifice," continued Eikenberry. "I have to tell you, when I hear some of your leaders call us occupiers, I cannot look at these mourning parents, these mourning spouses, these mourning children, and give them any kind of comforting reply."

Eikenberry's speech was an implicit rebuke of Afghan President Karzai, who made the latest in a series of impolitic comments about ISAF forces on Saturday. Karzai's latest outburst included blaming the US-led coalition for health issues allegedly caused by depleted uranium rounds, wear and tear on Afghan roads, as well as pollution in the capital ostensibly resulting from the presence of foreign troops.