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Top US commander in Afghanistan sacked

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor May 11, 2009 06:31 PM

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced this afternoon that he is replacing the top US commander in Afghanistan, asserting that despite the lack of resources in the past, the military must do better.

Gates, just back from an on-the-ground visit, noted that President Obama has put in a new strategy for Afghanistan, and there is a new ambassador,

"I believe new military leadership is also needed," he said at a Pentagon news conference.

Gates did not specifically criticize General David McKiernan, who has been on the job for about 11 months. McKiernan has asked repeatedly for additional forces, and he's about to get them. Obama has ordered 21,000 additional forces to Afghanistan this year, 17,000 combat troops and 4,000 military trainers.

"If there were to be a change, this is the right time to make the change," Gates added, saying "fresh thinking" and "fresh eyes" were needed.

Gates said he is asking the Senate to swiftly confirm McKiernan's replacement, Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal, who has experience in counterinsurgency.

UPDATE: White House spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement on the change:

“The president agreed with the recommendation of the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the implementation of a new strategy in Afghanistan called for new military leadership. The President was grateful for and impressed by the leadership that General McKiernan demonstrated in calling for additional resources for the fight in Afghanistan. This change of direction in Afghanistan in no way diminishes the President’s deep respect for Gen. McKiernan and his decades of public service.”

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Bad sign - Afghanistan and Iraq are spinning out of control and Obama's solution is to begin shuffling generals. I have no confidence in Obama's ability to win the War on Terror (which exists most definitely, despite his attempt to deny this).

Posted by Odumba May 11, 09 03:00 PM
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It's usually the too-cautious generals that get replaced. Everybody, hope and pray for the best in Afghanistan for the sake of the boots on the ground. How anyone can bring security and stability to an opium-based economy that's rife with corruption and where life expectancy at birth is in the mid-forties hasn't been figured out yet.

Posted by dom youngross May 11, 09 04:31 PM
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First off, I am sure this was done upon the recommendation of Gates and Obama respects Gates to allow him to make the call. Secondly, I am sure Gates would only do this based on feedback from the ground troops and the results of this General's action.

Apparently, during earlier wars such as WWII and Korea, it was not uncommon for a General to be replaced or fired. It has been only our recent war experience where Generals have not had to face consequences of their actions or lack of on-the-ground results.

Posted by jeffhenson May 11, 09 04:58 PM
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