New Nato chief takes over in Afghanistan
The new commander of Nato-led troops in Afghanistan was installed in a ceremony in Kabul today.
US General Dan McNeill replaced British General David Richards at the helm of the 35,500 strong force at the time when the Western alliance braces for a renewed fight with resurgent Taliban militants.
During his nine months as commander of Nato's International Security Assistance Force, Richards oversaw the bloodiest year in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
About 4,000 people died in insurgency-related violence in 2006.
"There was last year some scepticism about Nato," Richards said.
"Today that has gone, and I have no doubt that people of this country can continue to confidently put their faith in the 37 nations of Nato's ISAF," he said.
