The new US-Afghan war commander, David Petraeus officially took over control of the over 140-thousand NATO troops in Afghanistan from General Stanley McChrystal who was sacked last month for insubordination.
At a ceremony held at NATO headquarters in Kabul the US General vowed that his foreign forces are determined to win the battle of wills and called for a united effort against the Taliban-led insurgents in the war-stricken country.

[Interview : David Petraeus, Commander
US Forces in Afghanistan] “After years of war, we have arrived at a critical moment. We must demonstrate to the Afghan people and to the world that al-Qaeda and its network of extremist allies will not be allowed once again to establish sanctuary in Afghanistan.”

The four-star general said in order to do so he would reconsider rules including curbing the use of airpower and heavy weapons if civilians are at risk.
Casualites of US and NATO soldiers reached record highs with a total of 102 foreign soldiers killed in June almost triple the May figure and surpassing the previous highest monthly toll of 77 in August.
Meanwhile Ambassador of Afghanistan to the US pointed out that setting a firm date for withdrawal of the troops from Afghanistan is not a realistic measure and that any deadline must be based on the present situation.