Top U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Shares Strategy

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, July 16, 2009 – Patience and time are keys to success in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan told reporters here yesterday.

Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal discussed his views on what it will take to bring and maintain security in Afghanistan and the importance of helping the Afghans establish governance throughout the provinces.

McChrystal became commander of U.S. and international forces in the country last month at a time of increased violence. President Barack Obama nominated him to replace Army Gen. David McKiernan due to McChrystal’s counterinsurgency success in Iraq and his special operations background.

As NATO’s International Security Assistance Force commander here, McChrystal is expected to be in Afghanistan for around 24 months...