The man chosen by President Obama to take charge of the American military effort in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, has warned of an escalation of violence in the coming months. He told his Senate confirmation hearing that the international coalition in Afghanistan was engaged in a contest of wills with the Taliban. Asked about the likelihood of a reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban leaders, General Petraeus wascautiously optimistic.

"Whether that is possible, such an agreement, I think, is going to depend on a number of factors that will play out over the course of this summer, including creating a sense among the Taliban that they are going to get hammered in the field and perhaps should look at some options. Now we've already seen cases where lower and mid-level Taliban leaders have indeed sought to reintegrate."