Obama Accepts Gen. McChrystal’s Resignation, nominates Gen Petraeus

San Francisco, June 23, (THEWILL) – President Barack Obama today accepted the resignation of General Stanley McChrystal "with considerable regret" and nominated General David Petraeus as the new top commander in Afghanistan.

McChrystal was forced to resign after he made disparaging comments about America’s civilian leadership including making some uncomplimentary political explosive remarks about some top Obama White House Staff in a yet to be published edition of right-wing Rolling Stone Magazine.

In accepting McChristal’s resignation, Obama in an address outside the White House flanked by Vice President Joe Biden; Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen; Defence Secretary, Robert Gates and General Petraeus said, "It is the right thing for our mission in Afghanistan, for our military and for our country as McChrystals comments undermined civilian control of the military.

"I believe that it is the right decision for our national security. The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general," Obama said.

"The war is bigger than any one man or woman, it was a difficult decision to come to the conclusion that I've made today.

"Indeed, it saddens me to lose the service of a soldier who I've come to respect and admire. But the reasons that led me to this decision are the same principles that have supported the strength of our military and our nation since the founding," Obama added.

Obama urged the Senate to confirm Gen. Petraeus, who would leave his Central Command position with dispatch.

General McChrystal has however apologized for his earlier comments and in another statement issued on Wednesday the General said he strongly supports "the president's strategy in Afghanistan and am deeply committed to our coalition forces, our partner nations, and the Afghan people. It was out of respect for this commitment -- and a desire to see the mission succeed -- that I tendered my resignation. It has been my privilege and honor to lead our nation's finest."