Gates replaces top U.S. general in Afghanistan
Pentagon chief says change is in the best interest of national security and the success of the mission.
With the Obama administration boosting the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan by an additional 21,000 troops amid rising violence across the country, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Monday he is replacing the top general there.
Gates said at a Pentagon news conference that he asked for the resignation of Army Gen. David McKiernan, who had led U.S. forces in Afghanistan for the last year. Gates said he is recommending that McKiernan be replaced by Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a former commander of Joint Special Operations Command who has served as the director of the Joint Staff since August.
Gates lauded McKiernan's "long and distinguished career" but said the change is in the best interest of national security and the success of the mission in Afghanistan. The secretary said now is the right time to make a change and said it is important to get "fresh thinking, fresh eyes on the problem."