Political science expert Charles Boehmer, Ph.D., said that three recent events have turned the tide on Afghanistan's support of the role the United States is playing in itsnational security.

In January, footage of U.S. soldiers urinating on dead Afghan bodies was leaked to the press. Then two weeks ago, video of U.S. soldiers burning the Koran was all over the news.

Now the recent alleged massacre of 16 Afghan citizens by a U.S. Army staff sergeant has led to negative propaganda towards the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

Now Afghan President Hamid Karzai has requested that U.S. soldiers stay on their bases and withdraw from Afghan villages.

"The request is mostly for show," Boehmer said.

Boehmer said Karzai is trying to ride the line between supporting the U.S. and keeping Afghanshappy.

"From the Karzai point of view, I don't think he really wants us to go or be too restricted," Boehmer said. "If the United States only stayed on their bases, then it makes it hard for him (Karzai) to stay in power or at least to control anything inside of Afghanistan, outside of the capitol city (Kabul)."

Some military families who spoke with KFOX14 News said it's time to just bring them home.

Markel Davis said her father, a retired Fort Bliss soldier, did four tours in Afghanistan.

"I think that it is kind of our time to go," Markel said. "We've done what we went there to do and we've taken care of it. Now it's time to bring our troops back so we can take care of them."

On KFOX14 News at 9, Boehmer said Karzai was forced to make his request and if U.S. troops stayed on their bases, Karzai would no longer be in power.

If you have a story that you feel deserves media attention, contact Ric Dupont at ric.dupont@kfoxtv.com.