Lawmakers, Afghan Leaders Welcome Petraeus

President Obama's choice of David Petraeus to replace Stanley McChrystal has met near-universal praise in Washington and Kabul. Democrats and Republicans alike say the general is guaranteed a swift Senate confirmation to take charge of the Afghanistan war, Politico reports. The general's confirmation "may be the fastest in the history of the Armed Services Committee," John McCain said.

In Afghanistan—where Hamid Karzai had urged Obama to keep McChrystal—leaders say the general was the best choice and they expect a seamless transition with no major changes to strategy. "We know Gen. Petraeus. He knows the country. He knows the strategy," a Karzai spokesman told the AP. "He is the most informed person and the most obvious choice for this job."