Petraeus to Modify Afghanistan Rules of Engagement, Source Says

[darrels joy]

A military source close to Gen. David Petraeus says one of the first things the general will do when he takes over in Afghanistan is to modify the controversial rules of engagement to make it easier for U.S. troops to engage in combat with the enemy.

Troops on the ground and some military commanders have said the strict rules -- aimed at preventing civilian casualties -- have effectively forced the troops to fight with one hand tied behind their backs.

At a news conference at the Pentagon Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen said Petraeus will have the flexibility to make tactical changes. But he said that does necessarily mean changes will be made.

President Obama said Wednesday after he accepted Gen. Stanley McChrystal's resignation in the wake of a magazine article in which he and his staff were critical of the administration that the change-up does not represent a shift in war strategy.

The issue is likely to be front and center in Senate confirmation hearings for Petraeus next week.

Fox News' Steve Centanni and Justin Fishel contributed to this report.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010...t-source-says/