DIGGING DEEPING INTO THE GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES

NPR - A long-awaited military assessment of Afghanistan by the top American commander recommends a revised strategy, terming the situation "serious." The report was sent to U.S. and NATO leaders by commanding Gen. Stanley McChrystal, named three months ago in an effort to curb the rising Taliban insurgency. McChrystal is not asking for additional troops, but a separate request for forces will be sent in the next week or so, sources tell NPR. . . President Obama ordered an additional 21,000 troops to Afghanistan this year, raising the total number of U.S. forces there to about 64,000. Another 4,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are slated to arrive next month to train Afghan soldiers. "The situation in Afghanistan is serious but success is achievable and demands a revised implementation strategy and increased unity of effort,"