Obama sacks general, picks Petraeus to lead Afghan war

US President Barack Obama sacked Afghan war Commander General Stanley McChrystal yesterday and asked Iraq war hero General David Petraeus to replace him, a US official said.

"The President accepted McChrystal's resignation and has chosen General Petraeus to replace McChrystal as the commander of ISAF and to lead our forces in Afghanistan," the official said on conditition of anonymity.

Gen. McChrystal delivered his resignation after he was ordered back to Washington for a one-on-one showdown with Mr Obama earlier yesterday over his stunning criticisms of the US national security team in a magazine article.

The comments, cast as an "enormous mistake" by the White House, threw a harsh spotlight on Mr Obama's troop surge strategy, and a war plagued by rising troop deaths, falling public support and suggestions of divisions in Mr Obama's team.

Gen. McChrystal was abruptly summoned to the White House to explain himself, as Defence Secretary Robert Gates publicly rebuked him for "poor judgment".

Gen. McChrystal, who also commands Nato forces in Afghanistan, first met Defence Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon, then went to see Mr Obama.

The uproar over the article in Rolling Stone magazine came at a critical crossroads in the Afghan war with lawmakers increasingly anxious that the mission is failing, with casualties rising and a make-or-break offensive in Kandahar facing delays.

Later, Mr Obama denied claims he sacked Gen. McChrystal over "personal" insults and said the general did not meet conduct of a commanding general.

Mr Obama also said that he welcomed debate but did not tolerate division.

"As difficult as it is to lose Gen. McChrystal, I believe that it is the right decision for our national security," Mr Obama said, hours after holding a 31 minute meeting with the general at the White House.