Petraeus Accepts Command in Afghanistan

Gen. David Petraeus officially took command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday.
Petraeus Accepts Command in Afghanistan
7/4/2010
Updated:
3/1/2012
Gen. David Petraeus officially took command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday. Petraeus was appointed to replace Gen. McChrystal last month after he and his aides insulted civilian officials, including Vice President Biden, in comments written up in a Rolling Stone article.

Petraeus accepted the command at a ceremony held in front of the headquarters of NATO in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“Together with our Afghan partners, we must secure and serve the people of Afghanistan,” the general said in his speech.

The general says that he highly recognizes the progress that has taken place in Afghanistan. But pointed out that the Taliban and al-Qaeda remain threatening forces causing casualties on a daily basis.

In his speech, Gen. Petraeus also recognized the work of Gen. McChrystal. “The progress made in recent months in the face of a determined enemy is in many respects due to the vision, energy, and leadership he provided during his time,” Petraeus said.