US to Replace Top Commander in Afghanistan
By VOA News
11 May 2009
The Obama administration is replacing the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates Monday said he has asked McKiernan to step down to allow a new military leader to implement the new U.S. strategy for the Afghan war. Gates said he is recommending General Stanley McChrystal for the post. McChrystal recently served as a commander of special operations in the U.S. military.
Gates thanked McKiernan for what he called a long career of distinguished service. He did not fault the general's actions in Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama has ordered the deployment of 17,000 more combat troops to Afghanistan to fight a worsening Taliban insurgency. He also is sending 4,000 U.S. trainers and non-combat troops to help Afghanistan with reconstruction.
Gates urged lawmakers to swiftly confirm McChrystal to the top post for Afghanistan. Until then, McKiernan will remain in the job.
Gates said he made the decision on the advice of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, and the commander of U.S. forces in South Asia and the Middle East, General David Petraeus.
McKiernan arrived in Afghanistan 11 months ago. Since then, he has been asking for additional NATO troops to fight the Taliban.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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