The current U.S.and NATO commander, General David McKiernan, had said he would need But Secretary Gates deferred a decision until the new commanders can assess the impact of the current deployment.

VOA: standard.2009.06.08

His sacked predecessor, General David McKiernan, requested around 10, 000 more American troops a modest number and was denied them.

ECONOMIST: Afghanistan

David McKiernan, who has held the post for less than a year, will be replaced by Lt.

CNN: Gates replacing top U.S. commander in Afghanistan

David McKiernan, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces battling a resurgent Taliban and its al Qaeda allies.

CNN: U.S. to send more troops to Afghanistan