With its slow progress in Marja in mind, however, NATO's main focus is on improving Kandahar's government.

ECONOMIST: Afghanistan

And together with our coalition and Afghan partners, our troops have pushed the Taliban out of their stronghold in Marja.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama��s Surprise Visit to Afghanistan

The meeting began with a briefing from General McChrystal, who noted a continued progress in the Marja offensive and the strengthening partnership with Afghan national security forces.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

We have got to have -- and that was true with -- that was a big part of Marja, was buying -- getting the buy-in from the local population.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

On Afghanistan and the meeting this morning, as General McChrystal -- is he satisfied with the NATO involvement in the Marja offensive -- the British and the Canadians were involved.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

They discussed in surrounding Marja that we were largely through the clearing phase and more rapidly moving to a phase of hold, which puts a premium obviously on good governance.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

And, for example, the campaign in Marja has been -- has taken longer and been more difficult that we anticipated, but the reality is we have made significant progress at this point.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing on Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review

Most Taliban commanders in Marja have fled.

ECONOMIST: Coalition forces enjoy one of their better weeks