The cables also provide new evidence that U.S. allies in Europe strongly doubt the war in Afghanistan. In a memo from last year, European Union President Herman Van Rompuy is quoted suggesting European troops are only in Afghanistan to please the U.S. government. Van Rompuy says, “Europe is doing it and will go along out of deference to the United States, but not out of deference to Afghanistan.” He continues, “No one believes in Afghanistan any more. But we will give it 2010 to see results. If it doesn’t work, that will be because it is the last chance.” The disclosure comes just days after President Obama made a surprise visit to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In an address to a crowd of troops, Obama said the United States has made progress in its war goals.

President Obama: “You are protecting your country. You’re achieving your objectives. You will succeed in your mission. We said we were going to break the Taliban’s momentum, and that’s what you’re doing. You’re going on the offense, tired of playing defense, targeting their leaders, pushing them out of their strongholds. Today we can be proud that there are fewer areas under Taliban control, and more Afghans have a chance to build a more hopeful future.”

Other leaked files show Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been asking the United States to end deadly night raids on Afghan homes for almost two years. The United States has ignored Karzai’s calls, increasing the raids fivefold since 2009. The cables also warn the raids have become so unpopular the U.S. risks public resentment similar to that against Soviet occupiers in the 1980s.