Top General: U.S. to Stay Course in Afghanistan

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan is telling Congress that the U.S. intends to stick to its strategy in Afghanistan, including the planned withdrawal calendar, despite recent setbacks that have tested America's relations with the Afghans.

Gen. John Allen says that while the last few months have been trying, the coalition and its Afghan allies have made real, sustainable progress against the insurgency.

Allen is set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday and the Senate on Thursday. He will face a divided and skeptical Congress, as the Quran burnings and last week's alleged shooting spree by a U.S. soldier have inflamed anti-American sentiment in Afghanistan. Afghans have demanded that U.S. troops leave local villages.

His testimony was obtained by The Associated Press.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)