In the dusty plains of western Iraq, al-Qaida is gaining strength. Daily attacks against U.S. and Iraqi forces are on the rise, and there is little sign of progress in persuading the population to support the national government. U.S. commanders acknowledge they are locked in struggle with insurgents for the allegiance of Iraq’s youth. “We’re in a recruiting war with the insurgency,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Neller, the deputy Marine commander in western Iraq. Full Story