Change of commanders in Afghanistan starts clock on end of US war

[The Patriot]

Change of commanders in Afghanistan starts clock on end of US war

02-10-2013 12:07 AM

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Change of commanders in Afghanistan starts clock on end of US war


by: Jay Price and Matt Schofield
McClatchy Washington Bureau
published: February 10, 2013

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*KABUL — Inside the heavily secured headquarters of the NATO-led forces here, the man who could be the last commander of America’s longest war will officially take charge Sunday of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. will replace Marine Gen. John Allen, who is expected to become NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe.

With the United States committed to removing its combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, Dunford’s assignment will include winding down an American presence that stretches back to just after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Already, the number of American bases is shrinking, and the U.S. involvement in combat, as shown by the number of dead and wounded, is dropping. Several of the countries that have fought side by side with the United States already have withdrawn their forces or intend to soon.

The United States and its allies have said they’ll leave some troops behind to train and support Afghan security forces, but Dunford’s assumption of command marks the beginning of the end of America’s war in Afghanistan.

It’s unlikely to be a smooth glide to the exit, and Dunford acknowledged that during his Senate confirmation hearing.

“I recognize that much work needs to be done and the challenges will be many,” he said. “But with continued focus and commitment, I believe our goals are achievable.”

*

Read the full story here at stripes.com

http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-e...s-war-1.207232


Tags: RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, News
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Change of commanders in Afghanistan starts clock on end of US war


by: Jay Price and Matt Schofield
McClatchy Washington Bureau
published:

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


*KABUL — Inside the heavily secured headquarters of the NATO-led forces here, the man who could be the last commander of America’s longest war will officially take charge Sunday of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. will replace Marine Gen. John Allen, who is expected to become NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe.

With the United States committed to removing its combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, Dunford’s assignment will include winding down an American presence that stretches back to just after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Already, the number of American bases is shrinking, and the U.S. involvement in combat, as shown by the number of dead and wounded, is dropping. Several of the countries that have fought side by side with the United States already have withdrawn their forces or intend to soon.

The United States and its allies have said they’ll leave some troops behind to train and support Afghan security forces, but Dunford’s assumption of command marks the beginning of the end of America’s war in Afghanistan.

It’s unlikely to be a smooth glide to the exit, and Dunford acknowledged that during his Senate confirmation hearing.

“I recognize that much work needs to be done and the challenges will be many,” he said. “But with continued focus and commitment, I believe our goals are achievable.”

*

Read the full story here at stripes.com

http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-e...s-war-1.207232


Tags: RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, News
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