Richardson named new commander of US forces in Afghanistan

A U.S. general on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan is now in charge of all U.S. forces in the country as they continue their withdrawal, officials say. Maj. Gen. James M. Richardson was named Deputy Commanding General-Joint Operational Corps Headquarters-Afghanistan in a ceremony in Kabul, the International Security Assistance Force said in a statement released Tuesday. Richardson is "a warrior with the right blend of experience for the job," said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., commander of ISAF and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, who presided over the change of command. Richardson takes charge during a drawdown in U.S. forces as Afghan troops increasingly assume responsibility for their country's security. He praised the progress of Afghan forces, adding, "the most important thing in war is how it ends." Richardson assumes command from Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, who becomes deputy commanding general at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.