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Top Commander in Afghanistan to be Replaced
Anyone know if something is behind this, or is it just a normal rotation?Gen. David McKiernan is out as the Defense Department implements a new strategy for Afghanistan, a senior defense official told FOX News on Monday. The announcement is expected to be made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates at an afternoon Pentagon briefing. McKiernan has been the top general for NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the announcement had not yet been made characterized the decision as one that was not McKiernan's and said McKiernan is not stepping down, but is being replaced. "We have a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan and with that it is appropriate to have a fresh set of eyes, new leadership to execute that strategy," the official said. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, current head of Special Operations Command, is said to be the replacement, according to this official. Some role may also be offered to Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, Gates' top military adviser. Posted by: Sherry 2009-05-11 |
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