WALL ROLL - U.S. Army Spc. Michael Rupp swings over a stone wall bordering a field outside the village of Tupac in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2010. Rupp is assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan C. MatsonPetraeus Cites Progress in Afghanistan, But Tough Year Ahead -- Voice of America
The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan says the troop surge last year helped inflict “enormous losses” on insurgent networks, sowed discord among their leaders and put the groups on the defensive. But in a letter to the nearly 150,000 international troops in his command, General David Petraeus said they still have a lot of hard work to do.
The general’s three-page letter tells the troops they and their Afghan counterparts did “tremendous work” and made “impressive progress” during the past year. He credits the military surge, including 30,000 fresh American troops, and also the growth and improving quality of the Afghan Army and police. He also mentions the surge of international civilians working on such issues as development, education, health care and the Afghan legal system.
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Gen. Petraeus' Letter to the Troops -- International Security Assistance Force/NATO
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U.S. Is Gaining in Afghanistan, General Writes -- New York Times
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Petraeus offers optimistic assessment of war in Afghanistan -- Washington Post
In letter, Petraeus offers optimistic assessment of Afghan war -- Washington Post
Petraeus Sees Progress in Afghanistan, Next Year 'Tough' -- Voice of America
General: Afghanistan progress 'impressive' -- UPI
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Afghan parliament opens after five-month delay -- BBC
Anger as Karzai opens parliament -- Al Jazeera
Hamid Karzai opens Afghan parliament -- The Telegraph
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IED casualties in Afghanistan spike -- Washington Post
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Obama Promises to Bring Troops Home from Afghanistan Beginning July 2011 -- ABC News
McConnell: 'Virtually All' Senate Republicans Stand Behind Obama On Afghanistan -- Huffington Post
Canada's troops face July Afghan exit -- UPI
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Trial set for ringleader of rogue Afghanistan Army unit -- Reuters
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Should Gen. David Petraeus Have Five Stars? -- NPR
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West's portrayal of Afghan war deceptive: group -- Reuters