Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

General Stanley McChrystal will be replaced as U.S. Commander in Afghanistan by General David Petraeus, after comments from McChrystal and his staff mocking administration officials made it into an upcoming issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

President Barack Obama announced the change during a statement Wednesday afternoon from the White House Rose Garden.

“Today I accepted General Stanley McChrystal’s resignation as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan,” he said. “I did so with considerable regret, but also with certainty that it is the right thing for our mission in Afghanistan, for our military and for our country.

As the head of U.S. Central Command, Petraeus is currently McChrystal's boss. He must be confirmed by the Senate before he can assume his new role. Mr. Obama did not say who will fill Petraeus' position.

The decision to appoint Petraeus will likely shield the President from the political fallout of relieving a current commander. Petraeus garners immense respect from both Democrats and Republicans, a factor that will prove important as U.S. and Afghan security forces prepare for a major offensive in Kandahar province this summer. Perhaps more importantly, Petraeus is reportedly liked by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who notably possessed a fond view of Petraeus' predecessor.

The Rolling Stone article was not the first instance in which the four-star General had frustrated the White House. Last October, McChrystal gave a speech in which he publicly shot down a counter-insurgency approach to the Afghan war promoted by Vice President Joe Biden. The President reportedly scolded the commander for the remarks during a private meeting aboard Air Force One, but McChrystal’s call for additional troops was implemented soon after.

However, the Rolling Stone article seemed to be the last straw for the White House. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Tuesday that the President was visibly angry when shown excerpts and the General was summoned from the Afghan capital of Kabul for a face-to-face meeting.

“The conduct does not meet the standard that should be met by a commanding general,” Mr. Obama said.

McChrystal assumed the role of Afghan Commander last summer. He replaced General David Mckiernan.

Talk Radio News Service Correspondent Geoff Holtzman contributed to this report.