AFGHANISTAN said yesterday it hoped the newly named commander of US and NATO troops would do more to avert civilian deaths, which had soured relations under outgoing commander General David McKiernan.

The top US military commander for the Middle East resigned today amid speculation about a rift over American policy in Iran.

US forces today regained control of a southern Iraqi city seized this week by a rebellious Shiite militia and resumed their offensive in Fallujah after a brief halt for talks.