Afghanistan War 'Serious' and 'Deteriorating,' Mullen Says

from FoxNews

The situation in Afghanistan is "serious" and "deteriorating," the top U.S. military officer said Sunday, warning that the Taliban insurgency has gotten more sophisticated while the Afghan people increasingly fear for their safety.

Adm. Mike Mullen would not say whether the fight would require more than the 68,000 troops the administration has committed, but expressed concern about falling public support for the war which President Obama has called one of "necessity."

"This is the war we're in," Mullen said matter-of-factly, when asked about public perception of a conflict entering its ninth year.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the situation needs to be reversed in the next 12 to 18 months.

"I think it is serious and it is deteriorating," Mullen said. "And I've said that over the last couple of years, that the Taliban insurgency has gotten better, more sophisticated." .....