Afghan insurgents are “significantly weaker” than a year ago, a U.S. commander said Monday, despite stepped-up resistance from Taliban-led rebels in recent weeks and clashes that have left dozens dead. However, Col. Gary Cheek, commander of U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan, acknowledged that the military needed better ties with local Islamic leaders to shore up its reputation after deadly riots broke out last week over reported desecration of the Quran at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.Full Story