WASHINGTON – The US Senate voted unanimously yesterday to confirm David Petraeus as its new commander in Afghanistan.
Gen Petraeus, seen by some analysts as President Barack Obama’s last best hope to salvage the Afghan mission, won full support from both Democrats and Republicans after the previous commander, Stanley McChrystal, was sacked a week ago. He was confirmed in a 99-0 vote on the Senate floor.
The support for Gen Petraeus came despite growing anxiety in both parties about the direction of an unpopular nine-year-old war, in which casualties are rising, ahead of congressional elections in November.
Gen Petraeus played down hopes of a quick turnaround in the war in his confirmation hearing on Tuesday and said he would reassess restrictive rules of engagement that critics say put US units at unnecessary risk.
“I know Gen Petraeus will do everything in his power to help us succeed in Afghanistan,” said Republican senator John McCain, addressing the Senate floor. “This is not the time for debate over the strategy.”
Mr McCain, along with many Republicans, has voiced strong disapproval of the July 2011 date set by Mr Obama for the beginning of a gradual withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. Democrats have said the date is critical to show a sense of urgency after a long, costly war and to send a signal to Afghans that they need to build up their security forces for an eventual handover.
Soaring US and Nato casualties have undercut public support for the war in America and Europe. Three close allies – Canada, the Netherlands and Poland – have announced plans to withdraw combat forces.
Gen Petraeus, in his confirmation hearing, called the war a “contest of wills” in which the Taliban aimed to chip away western resolve. – (Reuters)