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US general set for Afghan command US general set for Afghan command
(about 3 hours later)
The next leader of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, is due to take over command there.The next leader of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, is due to take over command there.
He takes over from Gen David McKiernan, who was sacked by the US defence secretary after one year and whose time coincided with a surge in violence.He takes over from Gen David McKiernan, who was sacked by the US defence secretary after one year and whose time coincided with a surge in violence.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai told Gen McChrystal the priority would be to reduce civilian casualties.Afghan President Hamid Karzai told Gen McChrystal the priority would be to reduce civilian casualties.
Gen McChrystal has said his measure of effectiveness would be "the number of Afghans shielded from violence".Gen McChrystal has said his measure of effectiveness would be "the number of Afghans shielded from violence".
'Practical measures''Practical measures'
Gen McChrystal is a four-star general and former special forces commander.Gen McChrystal is a four-star general and former special forces commander.
He will command 56,000 US troops and 32,000 Nato-led forces currently in the country. He was scheduled to take over in a low-key ceremony at the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force HQ in Kabul on Monday.
Gen McChrystal will command 56,000 US troops and 32,000 Nato-led forces currently in the country.
He will also oversee US President Barack Obama's new strategy of increasing troops in Afghanistan as forces in Iraq are drawn down.He will also oversee US President Barack Obama's new strategy of increasing troops in Afghanistan as forces in Iraq are drawn down.
On Sunday, Mr Karzai's office said the Afghan government would "fully co-operate" with the "very important goal" of reducing civilian casualties.On Sunday, Mr Karzai's office said the Afghan government would "fully co-operate" with the "very important goal" of reducing civilian casualties.
Gen McChrystal pledged "practical measures to prevent civilian casualties during counterinsurgency operations".Gen McChrystal pledged "practical measures to prevent civilian casualties during counterinsurgency operations".
The issue has been a key source of friction between Afghanistan and the foreign forces.The issue has been a key source of friction between Afghanistan and the foreign forces.
Nato and US troops are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency in the country.Nato and US troops are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency in the country.
Last week, Gen McChrystal told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme that counter-insurgency was key.Last week, Gen McChrystal told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme that counter-insurgency was key.
"When we are in position, one of the things we'll do is review all of our rules of engagement and all the instructions to our units, with the emphasis that we are fighting for the population."When we are in position, one of the things we'll do is review all of our rules of engagement and all the instructions to our units, with the emphasis that we are fighting for the population.
"That involves protecting them both from the enemy and from unintended consequences of our operation, because we know that although an operation may be conducted for the right reason, if it has negative effects it can have a negative outcome for everyone.""That involves protecting them both from the enemy and from unintended consequences of our operation, because we know that although an operation may be conducted for the right reason, if it has negative effects it can have a negative outcome for everyone."
Among the 400 senior staff Gen McChrystal will bring with him to Afghanistan will be Adm Gregory Smith who has been assigned to improve communications efforts.Among the 400 senior staff Gen McChrystal will bring with him to Afghanistan will be Adm Gregory Smith who has been assigned to improve communications efforts.