The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has warned in a report that he needs more forces within the next year adding that without them, the eight-year conflict will likely result in failure. A copy of the 66-page confidential document obtained by the Washington Post said failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible. US President Barack Obama, meanwhile, voiced skepticism that more troops would make a difference in Afghanistan, suggesting he might not approve request for extra troops. Mr. Obama had earlier ordered for additional 21,000 troops bringing the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan to 68,000 by end of this year. Taliban violence has spread to new areas in the last few months with north Afghanistan witnessing increased violence.<br/>