The average country return during the post-conflict phase was 26.6% greater than the benchmark.

FORBES: Is There Ever A Good Time To Invest In War Torn Countries? Study Finds Out

The need for ground forces in the post-conflict phase is a different question.

BBC: Why war effort to oust Gaddafi has few options remaining

After the collapse of peace talks in February, Colombia has entered the most brutal phase of its civil conflict.

BBC: Venezuela

In summary, the road map is a three-phase blueprint for ending the conflict in 2005.

ECONOMIST: America's next challenge is Israel

On Tuesday the UN secretary general dismissed allegations that the UN covered up a high civilian death toll during the last phase of the Sri Lanka conflict.

BBC: Sri Lanka president thanks allies

Our correspondent said the meeting was taking place as developments, including Israeli air strikes on targets in Syria and concerns about the possible use of chemical weapons, risk bringing the conflict into an even more dangerous phase.

BBC: Cameron and Putin discuss Syria conflict at Sochi talks

During my recent visit, I discussed the war with several dozen American and British generals, colonels, and majors, and many of them described the conflict as having recently entered a new phase.

NEWYORKER: The General��s Dilemma

This phase can actually be more destructive to stock market valuations than the conflict period itself, says Griffith.

FORBES: Is There Ever A Good Time To Invest In War Torn Countries? Study Finds Out

"I do not get the sense that anyone, at this phase in the war and looking forward to the upcoming transition, is looking for radically new perspectives on the conflict on Afghanistan but rather someone who will execute the transition already envisioned by the White House, " Mr. Exum said.

WSJ: New Afghan War Leader Helped Nurture Sunni Awakening in Iraq