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Summary
US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen is on a tour to Afghanistan and Pakistan while Defense Secretary Robert Gates reassured leaders in the region that Washingtons strategy would not be affected by McChrystals departure.Adm. Mike Mullen said there was no excuse for the controversial comments made by McChrystal. Mullen said the comments clearly challenged civilian control, which is a fundamental principle for us that is not challenge-able. Mullen said that he is traveling to Afghanistan and Pakistan to stress the message to partners in the region that the strategy has not changed.Gates reiterated that American forces will began pull out from Afghanistan in July 2011. He said Petraeus familiarity with the Afghanistan strategy, his existing relationship with Afghan and Pakistani political leaders will help Petraeus.
