Top US general fired from Afghan training job

The top US commander in Afghanistan has fired a senior officer from his job as the No. 2 general in charge of training for making inappropriate public remarks about Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his government.Gen. John Allen issued a statement Friday saying that Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller has been relieved of his duties as deputy commander for the Afghan training mission.In a recent interview with the website Politico, Fuller characterized Afghan leaders as erratic, ungrateful and isolated from reality. The interview quotes him as saying Afghan leaders do not recognize fully Americas sacrifices on their countrys behalf.Referring to President Hamid Karzais recent remarks that Afghanistan would side with Pakistan if Pakistan should go to war with the United States, Fuller was quoted as calling the comments erratic, adding, Why dont you just poke me in the eye with a needle Youve got to be kidding me. Im sorry, we just gave you $11.6 billion and now youre telling me, I dont really care?Fuller said the Afghans have at times made unreasonable requests for US assistance.You can teach a man how to fish, or you can give them a fish, Fuller was quoted as saying. Were giving them fish while theyre learning, and they want more fish (They say) I like swordfish, how come youre giving me cod? Guess what? Cods on the menu today.Fuller also said the Afghans do not understand the extent to which America is in economic distress, or the sacrifices that America is making to provide for their security. He said the Afghans are isolated from reality.Allen said the unfortunate comments do not represent the solid US relationship with the Afghan government.The Afghan people are an honorable people, and comments such as these will not keep us from accomplishing our most critical and shared mission: bringing about a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, Allen said.There was no indication whether Fuller will be reassigned or if he would retire.Pentagon press secretary George Little said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was aware of Fullers remarks. Little said Panetta has full confidence in Allens judgment with respect to his decision in this case.Fuller was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1980 after graduating from the University of Vermont with a bachelor of arts in history and political science. He also holds a masters degree in public administration from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.