New command of US, NATO forces in Afghanistan

A four-star American general with a long history in special operations has taken charge of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

The new commander for the international troops in Afghanistan, U.S.  general Stanley McChrystal, speaks during a ceremony in Kabul June  15, 2009. McChrystal, a veteran commander of top-secret special  operations, takes charge of the nearly 90,000 U.S. and NATO troops  in Afghanistan on Monday, promising to limit the civilian deaths  that have cost Western troops Afghan support.

General Stanley McChrystal has replaced General David McKiernan, who was fired last month. The Pentagon expects McChrystal to bring a more unconventional approach to a war that has turned increasingly violent in the last three years. The general has already pledged to reduce the number of Afghan villagers killed in fighting, saying he intends to review US and allied operating procedures with an eye to minimizing civilian deaths.

Stanley Mcchrystal, US general, said, "The Afghan people are at the center of our mission. In reality, they are our mission. We must protect them from violence, whatever its nature. Displaying respect, cultural sensitivity, accountability and transparency are essential to gaining the support and trust of the Afghan people."