US to Replace Afghan Commander

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2009 12:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Gen. David McKiernan will be replaced as chief of NATO’s Afghan mission by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a former special ops officer, ABC News reports. McKiernan has held his post for just 11 months, and it is unclear where he will go. The move, to be announced at a press conference today, is a clear indicator of Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ opinion of McKiernan’s track record in Afghanistan.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Army General David McKiernan, Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

Gen. David McKiernan, commander of the NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

McKiernan will be replaced by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, seen here in 2003. (AP Photo)

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US Drones Return to Hit Rescuers, Funerals

Strikes occurring every 4 days under Obama: report

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

Sarkozy Wants Out of Afghanistan Next Year

France will withdraw combat troops by the end of 2013

Pentagon Readies Blueprint of Slim New Self

And with it, the Obama administration's defense priorities

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NATO • Robert Gates • defense secretary • International Security Assistance Force • Afghanistan war • Obama administration • David McKiernan • Stanley McChrystal

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Drones Return to Hit Rescuers, Funerals

Strikes occurring every 4 days under Obama: report

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

Sarkozy Wants Out of Afghanistan Next Year

France will withdraw combat troops by the end of 2013

Pentagon Readies Blueprint of Slim New Self

And with it, the Obama administration's defense priorities

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?