FILE - In this February 13, 2013 file photo, outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks during his last press conference as Defense Secretary. at the Pentagon. The U.S.-led military coalition in Afghanistan incorrectly reported a decline in Taliban attacks last year, and officials said Tuesday that there was actually no change in the number of attacks on international troops from 2011 to 2012.
FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013 file photo, outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks during his last news conference as defense secretary. at the Pentagon. The U.S.-led military coalition in Afghanistan incorrectly reported a decline in Taliban attacks last year, and officials said Tuesday that there was actually no change in the number of attacks on international troops from 2011 to 2012. In mid-December, Panetta said &quot;violence is down,&quot; in 2012, and that Afghan forces &quot;have gotten much better at providing security&quot; in areas where they have taken the lead role. He said the Taliban can be expected to continue to attack, &quot;but overall they are losing.&quot;    (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)