Afghanistan 'needs friends' in the West Former US commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has told BBC Radio 4's Today programme attention must be given towards the "confidence of the Afghan people." He said this could be done through improving security, but also by ensuring the country's political stability. Gen McChrystal said the country '"needs friends" in the West once Nato troops are fully withdrawn, which is expected within the next 12 months. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 21 January 2014.