Commanding presence of Gen McChrystal in Afghanistan

Departing US General Stanley McChrystal was seen as a commanding presence in Afghanistan, where his straight talking and determination to reduce the level of civilian casualties won him much respect, says BBC Kabul producer Bilal Sarwary.

It was a cloudy summer evening in Kabul when I first met General Stanley McChrystal. The venue was an upscale neighbourhood in west Kabul. Gen McChrystal arrived on time and began interacting with the Afghans present. He shook hands, waved, smiled and even hugged some of those present.

I had spoken to some of those sitting in the audience and asked if they had met the American commander before. Almost all had responded in the negative. But, it did not appear so when I saw Gen McChrystal mingling with them. In fact, it looked as if the general had known these people for years....... - Commanding aura

Commanding presence of Gen McChrystal in Afghanistan‎