Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of allied forces in Afghanistan since 2011, this week announced his retirement, forfeiting his nomination as NATO supreme allied commander in Europe. Allen said he was leaving the military in order to help his wife, Kathy, who has an autoimmune disorder. The general’s nomination to the prestigious NATO post was put on hold last year after revelations that he sent hundreds of emails to Florida socialite Jill Kelley. A Pentagon investigation cleared Allen of wrongdoing in January, and his nomination was restored. President Obama thanked Allen for his service in Afghanistan and called him “one of America’s finest military leaders.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.