Lawmakers Push for New Afghan Strategy by Scott Wilson and Karen DeYoung, Washington Post. BLUF: "Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are applying fresh pressure on the Obama administration to draw down U.S. troops in Afghanistan faster than many military leaders say is responsible, forcing the president to balance his party's demands with his generals' on-the-ground assessment as he nears another milestone in the war."
Afghan Taliban Cede Ground in the South, but Fears Linger by Carlotta Gall, New York Times. BLUF: "... while many Afghans say the Taliban have been weakened - some say irreparably - the familiar conundrum of Afghanistan applies: what happens when the foreign troops leave?"