Gates Replaces Top General In Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Gates has reportedly decided to replace the top US General in Afghanistan and will make a formal announcement later today. General David McKiernan, who was put in charge less than a year ago, will be replaced by Lt. General Stanley McChrystal, a former commander of special operations forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Obviously, while the official statement is that Gates made the decision, he certainly did not act without the approval of President Obama. Whether this decision is the result of lack of confidence in McKiernan or is the result of a change in policy is unclear.