[…] Obama administration officials describe efforts to revitalize Afghanistan’s agricultural sector as the “Number 1 nonsecurity priority” in the country. But given that Afghanistan is 80 percent agricultural, they acknowledge that security and agriculture are “integrally related,” as farmers replace opium poppies with legitimate crops, and increased profitability and job creation act as a counterincentive to joining the Taliban.

[…] Well, good afternoon, everyone. I think we have just wrapped up a very productive conference and we have seen the results of cooperation in the international community on a number of very important issues. I want to thank Prime Minister Brown and Foreign Secretary Miliband, the Government of Afghanistan, and the United Nations for bringing us all together and sponsoring this important meeting.

[…] A little over one week ago in Kabul, the Taliban, reportedly working with al Qaeda, staged one of the most brazen attacks in recent memory. At about 9:30 in the morning, a suicide bomber attempted to break through the gates of a key ministry building.
Security guards shot the attacker, who then detonated his suicide belt on the street, steps from the President’s palace and the Ministry of Justice. A six-hour gun battle ensued.

[…] The poll, sponsored by American, British and German broadcasters, says 70 percent of Afghans believe the country is headed in the right direction. Last year, just 40 percent of those polled reported a similar optimistic outlook. About 72 percent of Afghans rated President Karzai as excellent or good. The poll also notes solid support for U.S. troops and widespread opposition to the Taliban, with 69 percent of the respondents calling the group the “biggest danger” to Afghanistan.

[…] Speaking at the State Department, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the approach will result in “stabilizing the country, making opportunities outside of illicit activity more meaningful and of greater availability.” Vilsack said that agriculture accounts for 80 percent of Afghan income.

[…] One of our office’s central objectives is increasing international support for the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan and for the international mission in the region. Support, as you know, can be delivered in a wide range of ways. Financial and development assistance, trade, assistance through ISAF into the security sector, capacity building and political support.

[…] NATO’s top official has finished a two-day visit to Afghanistan, where he pledged that international forces are committed to staying in the country until the Afghan government and military are ready to take over. At a joint news conference in Kabul with President Hamid Karzai, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said NATO will “focus much more” on protecting the population, roads and development projects in 2010.

[…] The next 18 months in Afghanistan will be decisive and ultimately lead to success in rolling back the Taliban insurgents, General Stanley McChrystal told a U.S. congressional committee December 8. “The mission is not only important, it is also achievable,” McChrystal said. Karl Eikenberry, the American ambassador to Afghanistan, and McChrystal, who commands both U.S. forces and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force there.

[…] Speaking in Washington December 4, General James Jones said President Obama’s December 1 decision to begin withdrawing U.S. forces in July 2011 does not mean the United States will leave in 2011.
“It just means that that will be a transition point where we will … be able to pull some of our forces back and turn over some of the responsibilities to the Afghans themselves,” Jones said.
The United States will be reviewing three areas to assess the rate of success that will determine the transition, he said.

[…] “Our civilians are working at 52 locations across Afghanistan. In some cases, they’re moving into areas that have just been cleared with the military as the clearing process is underway. They go in groups of two to 10 to 15. They’re surrounded by locally employed staff, by Afghan nationals who are working in a civilian capacity, and by NGO staff who are working in a civilian capacity.

[…] U.S. officials recognize the challenge of getting some Taliban conscripts to abandon their armed struggle against the Afghan government and international forces, but are anticipating that President Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan will help increase security, improve economic prospects and make it easier for non-ideological Taliban fighters to reintegrate into their communities.