Afstan: Things heating up in east/ANA Training

These two stories put some more flesh on the bones of parts of this post (and this one):

1) Eastern Afghanistan now a hotter zone for U.S. troops
Officials worry increased attacks are the fallout of peace deals with militants in Pakistan

2) Afghan troops ready for bulk of fight: U.S. general ["by early next year"]

Here's some earlier optimism, from ISAF's commander; I suspect a dash of salt may be needed.