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May 12, 2009

US Defense Secretary Replaces Commander in Afghanistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2430CD0:A6F02AD83191E160812D93057AAF8E6AC030207A0BD70133&
 
Robert Gates says he wants new ideas from his new generals in
Afghanistan; Mc Crystal to replace Mc Kiernan 
US Army General David Mc Kiernan (R) speaks as Wardak Governor Halin
Fidai (far left) and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates listen at Forward
Operating Base Airborne in Wardak Province, 08 May 2009U.S. Defense
Secretary Robert Gates is replacing the commander of American and NATO
forces in Afghanistan, General David Mc Kiernan. Secretary Gates told
reporters at the Pentagon he has asked for Mc Kiernan's resignation and
is recommending Army Lieutenant General Stanley Mc Chrystal to command
NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Gates says the American mission can
and must do better in Afghanistan and requires new thinking from
military leaders."Today we have a new policy, set by our new president,"
said Gates. "We have a new strategy, a new mission and a new ambassador.
I believe that new military leadership also is needed."General David Mc
Kiernan, 19 Apr 2009Gates thanked Mc Kiernan, who arrived in Afghanistan
11 months ago, for what he called a long career of distinguished
service. He did not fault Mc Kiernan's actions in Afghanistan. General
Mc Chrystal is a former commander of special operations forces and is
experienced in leading the kind of counterinsurgency combat Pentagon
officials believe is necessary to defeat the Taliban, al-Qaida and other
militant groups. Secretary Gates also announced that another senior
officer, Lieutenant General David Rodriguez, will be Mc Chrystal's
deputy. The new plan by the Obama administration for Afghanistan and
Pakistan calls for a military push to reverse deteriorating security, a
surge in civilian aid and development assistance, and possible
reconciliation between the Kabul government and some members of the
Taliban. U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered the deployment of
17,000 more combat troops to Afghanistan and 4,000 U.S. trainers and
non-combat soldiers to help Afghanistan with reconstruction. Secretary
Gates says he wants new ideas from his new generals in Afghanistan."Well
I think that is the challenge that we give to the new leadership," he
said. "How do we do better? W
hat new ideas do you have? What fresh thinking do you have? Are there
different ways of accomplishing our goals? How can we be more
effective?"Secretary Gates urged members of the U.S. Senate to confirm
General Mc Chrystal as soon as possible. 


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