Experts caution that a troop increase in Afghanistan is unlikely to lead to the sort of turnaround seen in Iraq.

Experts caution that a troop increase in Afghanistan is unlikely to lead to the sort of turnaround seen in Iraq.

Experts caution that more troops in Afghanistan are unlikely to lead to the sort of rapid turnaround that occurred after the troop surge in Iraq.

A lesson from the Soviets’ defeat: Civilian deaths can undermine a strategy.

The assessment will be combined into a comprehensive White House review of Afghanistan policy that is to be completed next month after the presidential election.

Gen. David D. McKiernan, the top American commander in Afghanistan, urged doubters to believe that the war against the Taliban would be won.

Gen. David D. McKiernan, the top American commander in Afghanistan, urged doubters to believe that the war against the Taliban would be won.

Adm. Mike Mullen said Afghanistan was likely to continue what a nearly completed intelligence assessment called “a downward spiral.”

Adm. Mike Mullen said Afghanistan was likely to continue what a nearly completed intelligence assessment called “a downward spiral.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the dire situation would probably worsen next year.