Top U.S. general in Afghanistan: 2016 'possibly worse than 2015' - Ryan Browne, CNN

Washington - (CNN)The U.S.'s top commander in Afghanistan said Thursday that "Afghanistan is at an inflection point" and that 2016 could be "no better and possibly worse than 2015" if adjustments are not made.

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. John Campbell said, "Now, more than ever, the United States should not waver in Afghanistan."  But Campbell warned the committee that "Afghanistan has not achieved an enduring level of security and stability that justifies a reduction of our support in 2016."

Campbell acknowledged a steep drop in close air support, noting that in prior years, the U.S. had provided 150 attack helicopters and two Air Force squadrons.

Campbell described the indigenous Afghan air capability as being "extremely limited," with its airstrike capability having dropped to three Indian-supplied attack helicopters.

"Close air support has been the one resource and capability that the Afghans have asked me for every single day," Campbell said.

Campbell said he plans to emphasize the need to fill this air support gap in his final recommendations to the Obama administration, which could include a loosening of restrictions on U.S. airstrikes.

"Those who serve in Afghanistan understand it's worth the investment," Campbell said. - Read More
Top U.S. general in Afghanistan: 2016 'possibly worse than 2015' - CNNPolitics.

The top American commander in Afghanistan told lawmakers on Tuesday that the war is not a lost cause
U.S. News & World Report‎