Nominee to Run Afghan Fight Backs Drawdown by Julian E. Barnes, Wall Street Journal. BLUF: "The Marine general nominated to become the top commander in Afghanistan said he believed that the insurgency's momentum has been halted, and even reversed in key parts of the country."
Allen Vows to Emulate Petraeus' Leadership by Lisa Daniel, American Forces Press Service. BLUF: "Based on his recent time in Afghanistan, Allen said, he agrees with assessments that U.S. and NATO forces have made significant progress there, but that challenges remain. Afghan and coalition forces control much of the battle space in Afghanistan, including the capital of Kabul, which consists of one-fifth of the population, as well as other population centers in Kandahar and Helmand provinces, the general said. Military operations increasingly are being led by Afghan forces, which are on track in a surge of their own to meet a goal of 305,000 troops later this year, Allen said. Asked about the importance of Afghan forces taking over security, Allen said, 'It's essential to the strategy'."
Lt. Gen. John Allen Falls in Line on Afghanistan by Craig Whitlock, Washington Post. BLUF: "... Allen said Obama's timetable to wind down the war in Afghanistan sent a clear message to the government of President Hamid Karzai that it needs to assert itself and take more direct responsibility for fighting the Taliban."