Afghan President Hamid Karzai has written in The Washington Post that the international effort in Afghanistan still has "miles to go" before security operations are successful in his country.
President Karzai also wrote about the urgency of addressing the problem of sanctuaries "beyond Afghanistan's borders" where Taliban and other militants receive training. The president said the problem "is far from solved."
Mr. Karzai said ending night raids and house searches, as well as transferring control of detention facilities to Afghans will also "go a long way in setting us up for success."
The Washington Post item comes ahead of the Afghan leader's visit to the White House on Wednesday. Mr. Karzai is hoping his visit will bring the political backing he needs for possible peace talks with the Taliban.
The Taliban has threatened to launch a new offensive across Afghanistan starting Monday.
While more U.S. troops and aid are moving into Afghanistan, U.S. President Barack Obama has said he wants to start bringing U.S. troops home next year.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.