Gates replacing top U.S. commander in Afghanistan
Program Note: Tune in tonight to hear more about the situation in Afghanistan on AC360° at 10 p.m. ET.
CNN
The United States replaced the top allied commander in Afghanistan on Monday, deciding "fresh eyes" are needed to reverse the course of the seven-year-old war there, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.
Gen. David McKiernan, who has held the post for less than a year, will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a former special operations chief, Gates announced. He told reporters there was "nothing specific" behind McKiernan's removal, but that "new leadership and fresh eyes" were needed in a war that Washington admits it is not winning.
"We have a new strategy, a new mission and a new ambassador. I believe that new military leadership also is needed," Gates said.
McKiernan will remain in place until the Senate confirms the appointments of McChrystal and his designated deputy, Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez. Both have previous experience in Afghanistan and more history with counterinsurgency operations than McKiernan.
|
|
Filed under: Afghanistan • Military • Pentagon • Robert Gates |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Go behind the scenes: AC361°
Gumby celebrates Isha Sesay's birthday
Anderson Cooper's birthday surprise
You asked, Anderson answersForeman's Letters to the President
Popular Posts
Search the AC360 blog
Great move on secretary Gates part. A change of command especially one from the former administration can only catapult better results. Afganistan has deterred many nations over the years in trying to keep it's poppy trade open to the free market with little or no oversight, much like Wallstreet. Without this perpetual trade going on, there would be no war, especially a sectarian war. Lets face it the hard liners of sunni Islam must number less than 10% of the fighting forces of the Taliban. Again we mush strike out unilaterly not giving any of our plans to the corrupt and greedy Pakistan and Afganistan regimes in order to succeed. God bless us all, May Muhammad and Jesus stand as one in this capital war.
I guess a replacement is suppose to make us feel more secure. It doesn't make me feel more secure it worries me even more. They are now admitting that we are not winning this war, so I really hope this change gets us on the winning track or we can freaking pull out of this war instead of having our troops die for nothing
I personally think it's time to rid the Obama Administration of all Bush/Cheney left-overs,and that includes Gates!
Wow having to replace a commander...what diplomacy with the moderate Taliban didn't work....the UN letter of complaint impressed nobody...can't send NATO ...they are landlocked...so the capture and release program doesn't apply....don't forget N Korea, Iran and 60 nuclear weapons in Pakistan....oh Gates can't forget the moral boosters responsible for the memos of enhanced interrogation and pictures....toooo. Well I say Eric Holder, Nancy Pelosi, and Janet Napolitano should lead the troops....and in that order....Nancy and Janet...they got your back Eric.