KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan officials expressed relief Wednesday at the choice of Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the top U.S. and NATO commander, believing the U.S. strategy aimed at minimizing civilian casualties and bolstering the Afghan government would continue.
Afghans had warned that the dismissal of McChrystal would disrupt progress in the war and jeopardize a pivotal security operation under way in Taliban strongholds in the south.
After President Barack Obama announced the selection of Petraeus, Afghan authorities said they were relieved because the veteran war commander helped craft the counterinsurgency strategy being implemented in Afghanistan.
