Wire: US to Replace Top General in Afghanistan

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2009 -- Newswires reported early this afternoon that the Pentagon will replace its top general in Afghanistan as President Barack Obama tries his hand at the war, defense officials said.

The Associated Press reported the exit of Gen. David McKiernan comes as more than 21,000 additional U.S. forces begin to arrive in Afghanistan, dispatched by President Barack Obama to confront the Taliban more forcefully this spring and summer.

AP noted the following details:

McKiernan, on the job about a year, has asked repeatedly for additional forces. Obama's revamped strategy for Afghanistan does markedly increase the number of U.S. forces in the country but focuses on nonmilitary solutions as a better long-term solution.

Military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said McKiernan will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was likely to announce the new leadership in Afghanistan later Monday, an official said.

McChrystal has had a top administrative job at the Joint Chiefs of Staff for less than a year. He is a former commander of the Joint Special Operations Command.

This is a developing story with more to follow.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: Official: US to replace top general in Afghanistan

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