Obama hopeful on withdrawal, but expects 'hard fighting' in Afghanistan

President Obama on Wednesday predicted "hard fighting" in Afghanistan in the coming months as U.S. forces mount a new offensive against the Taliban, but he expressed confidence that American troops can start to withdraw in July 2010 in accordance with a timetable he set last year. - Obama sees Afghan progress on good governance - washingtonpost

Slate: White House launches charm offensive
Obama foresees 'hard fighting'

Obama and Karzai Meet in Washington - nytimes