Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    July 18, 2011

Petraeus Hands Over Command in Afghanistan

   VOA News
   Commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan, U.S. General David Petraeus,
   stands during a change of command ceremony at ISAF headquarters in
   Kabul, July 18, 2011
   Photo: AFP
   Commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan, U.S. General David Petraeus,
   stands during a change of command ceremony at ISAF headquarters in
   Kabul, July 18, 2011

   U.S. General David Petraeus, who has been the commander of NATO forces
   in Afghanistan for a year, has officially handed over command of the
   international alliance to his successor, U.S. General John Allen.
   The transfer of power was conducted Monday at a ceremony in the Afghan
   capital, Kabul.
   Allen was most recently the deputy commander of the U.S. Central
   Command. He said Monday at the ceremony he wants to see Afghanistan
   become a secure and stable environment "free from the extremism and
   terrorism" that has plagued the country.
   General Petraeus is leaving Afghanistan to take charge of the Central
   Intelligence Agency. He is replacing Leon Panetta, who became the U.S.
   defense secretary.
   Meanwhile, violence continues in Afghanistan. NATO said three of its
   service members were killed Monday in an explosion in the eastern part
   of the country.

.