Top US commander in Afghanistan

[August 10, 2013]  KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The top U.S. and coalition commander in Afghanistan says the signing of a bilateral security agreement between America and Afghanistan will send a clear signal both to the Afghan people and the Taliban that the international community is committed to the future stability of the country even as foreign forces withdraw.

Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who commands the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force, said in an interview Saturday that the Afghan forces, which took the lead for security two months ago, will be able to stand up against the insurgency as the Taliban gear up for increased attacks following the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. But, he added, the 352,000-strong force still needs training and mentoring after foreign combat troops leave at the end of 2014.

[Associated Press]

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