"But there's been tough fighting in the north," the diplomat said, "with increasing Iranian involvement."

The toughest fighting of the day occurred in Clausel's sector.

After some tough fighting, the French attacks were stopped.

There will be tough fighting ahead, and the Afghan government will need to deliver better governance.

Some of the toughest fighting, as we have indicated, may well lie ahead.

And we've had some tough fighting, because there are people who hate the idea of a free Iraq.

"It was kind of tough fighting twice in a day," Foster said.

And while more tough fighting very likely will lie ahead, the outcome is assured.

"They are tough fighting, and I won't stay stationary."

The biggest hurdle, officials said, are countries that bar their troops from being moved to the south, where the toughest fighting has been occurring.