Article updated: 2/10/2013 6:18 PM

New U.S. commander takes the helm in Afghanistan

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Associated Press Gen. Joseph Dunford, right, hugs the outgoing commander, Gen. John Allen, on Sunday during a change-of-command ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan.

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Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford took charge of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday as the coalition enters its final stretch of the more than 11-year-old war. The new commander faces daunting challenges, including making sure Afghan government forces are ready to take control and orchestrating the withdrawal of foreign forces during the next 23 months.