A general who was formerly involved in setting up Afghanistan's new army has been named as next commander of US forces in the country, a US military spokesman said Thursday. Major General Karl Eikenberry has been named to replace Lieutenant General David Barno pending confirmation by the Senate. Eikenberry is currently director of strategic planning and policy for the US Pacific Command in Hawaii.
From September 2002 to September 2003 he was in charge of the Office of Military Co-operation in Afghanistan and involved in efforts to set up the Afghan National Army (ANA).
The goal is to have a 70,000-strong army by 2009 to reinforce the central government and replace the militias who fought against the Soviets and the Taleban.
In the long run, the ANA should replace the 18,000 US troops and 8,000 Nato troops, leaving Afghans in charge of their own security. At present the ANA numbers around 20,000 soldiers.
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