From Name: From Email: To Name: To Email: Optional Message: Gen. John Allen takes command of Afghan war from Los Angeles Times A new U.S. commander, Gen. John Allen, formally took control of the war in Afghanistan, inheriting a nearly decade-long conflict that has cost the lives of at least 1,667 American troops. Allen succeeds Gen. David H. Petraeus, who is leaving to head the CIA. Petraeus had been in command for only a year, hastily taking the helm after President Obama fired Gen. Stanley McChrystal after Rolling Stone magazine reported intemperate comments by his staff about the administration's civilian leadership. more 7701 Las Colinas Blvd., Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063