USA TODAY: Marine Gen. John Allen relinquished command of coalition forces in Afghanistan Sunday, expressing optimism about the nation’s future but saying the world will keep a close watch on how the government handles next year’s elections and whether it follows through on promised reforms.
“The big benchmark for all of us is going to be the election,” Allen told reporters moments before a simple ceremony in which he handed the battle colors to another U.S. Marine general, Joseph Dunford…
Hoping to avoid a repeat of history, U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of continued support of Afghanistan after 2014 when most U.S. combat forces will leave… (more)
