"This is a document that puts us on an equal footing and puts obligations on the two of us, which forces us to have an election that satisfies the criteria for democracy,"

VOA: standard.2009.11.01

On the military side, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrat Carl Levin, says the plan calls for an extra 4,000 US trainers to work with the Afghan armed forces.

VOA: standard.2009.03.26

In fact,U.S.and NATO military commanders say insurgent violence rose nearly 60 percent between the first six months of this year, compared to last year the highest level of violence since 2001 when the Taliban government was ousted by US.led forces.

VOA: standard.2009.06.15

"It should really serve,I think, as a stimulus to us to find ways to recapture the partnership so we can join forces and fight together against the threats and challenges of the 21st century that are no less dangerous than Hitler was in his time."

VOA: standard.2010.05.07