2009  would be year of test for efforts in Afghanistan: Gen Petreaus

Afghanistan, Kabul, Dec. 21 / Trend , A. Hakimi/ General David H Petraeus, head of the Central Command of the US Army, said that 2009 would be a test for the American-led international efforts in Afghanistan,  Pajhwork reported.

"The effort there will rely heavily on the skill, courage, determination and sheer force of will of those on the ground as we deploy additional forces and help our Afghan partners as they conduct elections and strive to achieve progress in the security, economic and governmental arenas," Gen Petraeus said.

In a letter written to his troop on the current situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Petraeus acknowledged that the US and its partners are in "a tough fight" in Afghanistan.

According to the letter dated Dec. 9, a copy of which has been obtained by Pajhwok Afghan news, General Petraeus said in spite of the progress made in a number of areas, the difficulties in Afghanistan are considerable.

"The Taliban and the other elements that make up the extremist "syndicate" aided by groups operating from sanctuaries outside Afghanistan, have significantly increased the levels of violence in Afghanistan and contested control of important areas in the country," he said.

"Slowly-developing Afghan governmental institutions have been challenged by the security situation and have yet to achieve the necessary level of competence, integrity, capacity and legitimacy," he wrote.

General Petraeus said the effort in Afghanistan will require a sustained and significant commitment.

"It will also require a regional approach that includes considerable support for Pakistan, which faces substantial difficulties of its own but has shown new awareness of the need to deal with the extremists who have not only exported violence outside Pakistan's borders but have also demonstrated the threat they pose to Pakistan's very existence," General Petraeus said.