LOUISVILLE (AP) — The commander of the U.S. Central Command warned Tuesday that growing numbers of American soldiers sent to Afghanistan will encounter tough fighting, but said improving civilians’ lives is as important to winning the war as defeating militants. Gen. David Petraeus, speaking to the American Legion’s national convention, said Taliban militants have expanded their influence in the war-ravaged country where U.S. forces are on track to reach 68,000 strong.