Military analysts determined that more resources were needed to secure population centers, train local troops and ward off insurgent forces.

FORBES: Is Afghanistan a Problem of Capacity or Complexity?

In his first statement to MPs since taking on the new role Philip Hammond said UK troops in Helmand province were having a "tangible impact" on insurgent activity.

BBC: Philip Hammond: Afghanistan progress not 'irreversible'

But optimists note that perhaps a hundred are now seen as ready to some degree, and Iraqi troops took a leading role in a recent offensive in Tel Afar, an insurgent stronghold.

ECONOMIST: Now for the hard part | The