国际英语新闻：Obama fires McChrystal, Petraeus to take over Afghanistan war

McChrystal was summoned to Washington to explain his remarks critical of Obama and other senior administration officials. He met with Gates in the Pentagon in the early morning, and then with Obama in the White House. Both meetings lasted around half an hour.

McChrystal was initially expected to join the monthly strategy meeting of Obama's Afghan war advisers in White House situation room, but he was not seen returning to the White House after the morning meeting with Obama.

The U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan U.S. General Stanley McChrystal wears earplugs as he leaves by helicopter after a meeting between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and tribal leaders in Kandahar city June 13, 2010.

McChrystal made the disparaging remarks to the Rolling Stone magazine. In a profile titled Runaway General, which is to appear in this week's magazine, McChrystal said he felt betrayed by U.S. ambassador to Kabul Karl Eikenberry. He recalled to the magazine the time he asked for more troops from Obama as "painful," and said Obama had him in "an unsellable position" to ask for an increase in troops.

Obama eventually decided to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan in December.

The magazine story also contained mocking remarks from McChrystal's inner circle of aides towards senior administration officials such as Biden and National Security Adviser James Jones.

After Obama made the remarks, McChrystal released a statement saying he offered his resignation out of a desire to see the mission in Afghanistan succeed, and he supports Obama's strategy and remains deeply committed to the war.