June 23, 2010

Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today after the President announced the resignation of General Stanley McChrystal as Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.  The President also announced the appointment of General David Petraeus as the next Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan:

“I support the decision by President Obama to relieve General McChrystal of his command and to nominate General David Petraeus to lead our forces in Afghanistan.  We cannot afford any distractions from achieving our objectives in Afghanistan, including defeating the Taliban.  I appreciate General McChrystal’s decision to offer his resignation and President Obama’s decision to accept it, to ensure that General McChrystal’s remarks will not jeopardize these efforts.

“President Obama and his team have outlined a clear mission and strategy in Afghanistan, and our forces are now bravely taking the fight to the Taliban and working to transfer responsibility to Afghan forces.  General Petraeus has demonstrated that he can effectively carry out a counterinsurgency strategy and prepare local forces to take over the U.S. combat mission.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that General Petraeus is swiftly confirmed, and that he has the resources and support he needs to effectively implement the Commander-in-Chief’s strategy.”

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