GROVE CITY — The U.S. military's focus on Iraq and Afghanistan has hampered its ability to de-escalate crises elsewhere, the nation's top military officer said Monday.

Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said in a lecture at Grove City College that such isolation can sow the seeds of far bigger problems.

Among the issues requiring attention, Mullen said, are assuring stability in Russia and China, famine and genocide in Africa, the drug trade in Mexico and increased tensions between Pakistan and India after the terror attacks on Mumbai.

When a member of the audience of about 700 asked the possibility of returning to a draft to deal with recruiting shortages, Mullen said the economic downturn has boosted enlistment and the military has met most recruiting goals.

He said, however, that economic woes will likely cause a budget crunch affecting all government departments, including the armed forces.

Mullen said the war in Afghanistan was not going well and the United States must focus on improving the Afghan government and economy, The Herald of Sharon reported. But, Mullen said, a mere increase in troop presence would not accomplish the goals of stabilizing and handing off the region to local leaders.