Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has recommended General Joseph Dunford to lead the war effort in Afghanistan once the outgoing commander of U.S. and NATO troops rotates out of the post. The final decision is President Barack Obama’s and his nomination would need to be approved by Congress. Dunford, who served in the Iraq war, would replace General John Allen, who took over command of the Afghan mission in July 2011. Allen is expected to become the next head of U.S. forces in Europe sometime this winter.

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