Afghan conflict serious, 'deteriorating'-Mullen

[katty]

Afghan conflict serious, 'deteriorating'-Mullen
Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:25pm EDT

more: http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSN23121238

* No decision yet to seek more troops - Admiral Mullen (Adds additional interviews, background, McCain comment)

By Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - The situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating along with U.S. public support for the war, Washington's top military officer said on Sunday as he left open the possibility of another increase in troops.

"I think it is serious and it is deteriorating, and I've said that over the past couple of years -- that the Taliban insurgency has gotten better, more sophisticated," said Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

U.S. combat deaths have risen since U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a troop buildup to confront a resurgent Taliban, with a record 44 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan in July.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll showed a majority of Americans believe the war in Afghanistan is not worth fighting, and just a quarter say more troops should be sent there.