New US Commander in Afghanistan

Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal

New Comander of US and NATO Forces in Afghanistan

The Pentagon named a former commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to head the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal will replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was relieved of command just 11 months after he took charge in Afghanistan. McCrystal will be promoted to the rank of four-star general.

The unexpected change of command clearly signifies the nature of the unconventional war being waged in Afghanistan. The Taliban forces have gained strength recently, and the Pentagon must have wanted an unconventional warfare tactician as commander to check Taliban’s advances.