US sacks top commander in Afghanistan

The US has sacked its top commander in Afghanistan,saying a new leadership and 'fresh eyes' were needed to reverse the course of the 7-year-old war.

The US has sacked its top commander in Afghanistan,saying a new leadership and “fresh eyes” were needed to reverse the course of the seven-year-old war against the Taliban and al-Qaeda there.

“Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal would replace General David McKiernan as the head of US and International Security Assistance Force) in Afghanistan (ISAF),” Defence Secretary Robert Gates announced.

Gen McKiernan has held the post for less than a year. His sacking came a week after some 140 Afghan civilians were killed during a battle between militants and US forces and President Hamid Karzai demanded an end to American air strikes in his country.

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Gates told reporters on Tuesday that 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.

McChrystal is a former Special Forces chief credited with nabbing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. He would have to be confirmed by Senate before he could take charge of the new position,till then McKiernan would remain the commander of US and ISAF in Afghanistan.