McChrystal Out, Petraeus In As U.S. Commander In Afghanistan

President Obama has accepted the resignation of General Stanley McChrystal (pictured right) as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and has nominated David Petraeus (left), head of U.S. Central Command, and former commanding general in Iraq.

“This is a change in personnel, but it is not a change in policy,” Obama said in the Rose Garden, Petraeus by his side and McChrystal nowhere to be seen.

The president praised McChrystal, saying he always showed “great courtesy” and carried out his orders “faithfully,” and that they were on the same page in terms of war strategy. He said the decision to accept the general’s resignation was made was not based on “personal insult,” but a desire to ensure there is no “diversion” to the mission. Obama said the conduct described in the article “does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general,” which led him to his decision.

“I did so with considerable regret, but also with certainty that it is the right thing for our mission in Afghanistan, for our military and for our country,” Obama said. “War is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general or a president.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.