New commander says Afghan war winnable

WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- To win the war in Afghanistan, allied forces must try hard to avoid civilian casualties, says the U.S. general nominated to take command of NATO forces there.

At his confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal said a successful outcome is possible in Afghanistan, the Voice of America reported Tuesday.

"Sir, I believe it is winnable, but I don't think it will be easily winnable," McChrystal said.

The general said to achieve victory, it would be just as important to avoid civilian casualties and convince the Afghan people to support their own government as defeating the Taliban insurgents.

"The measure of effectiveness will not be enemy killed, it will be the number of Afghans shielded from violence," the VOA report quoted the general as saying.

McChrystal, a special operations combat expert, warned the committee that casualties may increase as more U.S. forces are brought into Afghanistan, but added he hoped the situation will improve eventually.

"If confirmed, I would emphasize that how we conduct operations is vital to success," he said, adding, "This is a struggle for the support of the Afghan people. Our willingness to operate in ways that minimize casualties or damage, even when doing so makes our task more difficult, is essential to our credibility."

The general said he would review all rules of engagement and tactical directives in Afghanistan to protect the civilians, while at the same time ensuring the safety of U.S., Afghan and allied forces.

U.S. President Barack Obama last month nominated McChrystal to replace Gen. David McKiernan as part of his administration's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.