NATO to announce top civilian representative in Afghanistan

NATO to name top civilian boss for Afghanistan

BRUSSELS — NATO says it will announce the alliance’s new top civilian representative in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The official will administer reconstruction efforts and act as a counterpart to the military commander, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Two officials say Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Mark Sedwill, is the leading candidate for the post. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision was pending.

Tuesday’s announcement comes two days before the start of an international conference in London, where Afghan and international officials will map plans to shore up the Kabul government as the U.S. and its allies rush 37,000 more troops here to confront the Taliban.