New commander takes reins in Afghanistan

The incoming Number 2 American commander Afghanistan says his immediate focus is on supporting Afghan elections, not on the possibility of US troops remaining after the NATO-led combat mission ends.

At a ceremony in Kabul today, Lt Gen Mark Milley handed over International Security Assistance Force Joint Command to Lt Gen Joseph Anderson.

It was the last such ceremony for the US-led International Security Assistance Force, whose mandate expires at the end of 2014.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has delayed signing a deal that would allow some US forces to remain in the country, which Anderson said gives him a "little bit of pause" but is ultimately a "longer term issue."
 

He said the April 5 election and early summer fighting season have more immediacy.