Tester: Iraq optimistic, Afghanistan uncertain

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a press conference conducted by telephone from Yemen Wednesday night that he has seen significant improvements in Iraq since he visited the war zone in 2007, and he is waiting to form an opinion on the situation in Afghanistan when he tours that country to visit troops and political leaders later this week.

"I had a good visit in Iraq and a good vision on what's going on there," Tester said.

He is touring the region with Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Jack Reed, D-R.I.

Tester said that in his two days in Iraq he met with troops, including Montana soldiers i...