U.S. Senate approves Obama's Afghan appointments December 4, 2012 - 19:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Senate has approved President Barack Obama's choice to lead U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, Belfast Telegraph reported. By voice vote, senators cleared the way for General Joseph Dunford, the assistant commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, to take over in Afghanistan. Gen Dunford, who has directed combat forces in Iraq, would replace Gen John Allen, the current commander who has been nominated to take charge in Europe. Gen Allen's nomination is on hold as he is ensnared in the sex scandal that led to the resignation of CIA director David Petraeus. Gen Dunford takes charge at a critical time for Mr Obama and the military as they decide in the coming weeks the pace of drawing down the 66,000 U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan. Partner news  Top stories U.S. officials say they want to advance efforts to start talks between the Syrian government and opposition leaders. The international conference, backed by Russia and the U.S., aims to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Nuland, a career foreign service officer who was until recently State's top spokesperson, was expected to be nominated the post. Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament.   Partner news |  Latest news Israeli security expert says Syrian hacker attack foiled  Israel refuses to comment on the strike but officials at the time said Iranian missiles set for Hezbollah were hit.Gyumri to host Europe Day celebrations The celebrations will feature a small information fair, with EU project representatives to brief the visitors on the initiatives launched.1st Armenian interactive fairy tale available for iPhone/iPod Touch The tale sparked great interest in Diaspora. Such projects, namely interactive version of “Alice in Wonderland”, are popular abroad.Expert says Russian FM’s remarks in context of Madrid Principles No decisive developments will follow the meeting between Russian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, David Jamalyan said. |
