Afghan leaders saddened by McChrystal departure, optimistic on Petraeus

KABUL -- Afghan officials said they were saddened and disappointed by the dismissal Wednesday of Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, but they expressed high hopes for his replacement.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai had personally lobbied President Obama on Tuesday night to keep McChrystal, who was seen by Afghan leaders as a trustworthy general with a deep and nuanced understanding of their country. .... Afghanistan disappointed by McChrystal resignation, optimistic ...

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