WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to appoint a three-star general to boost the U.S. military leadership in Afghanistan, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The newspaper said General David Rodriguez has been selected for a post in Kabul, and his exact role was still being discussed.

Afghanistan has had one senior U.S. general in command, General David McKiernan.

U.S. President Barack Obama is increasing resources in the conflict in Afghanistan against resurgent Taliban forces, has ordered 17,000 more U.S. troops there, and has accused his predecessor George W. Bush of neglecting that war to focus on the conflict in Iraq.

A spokesman for Gates declined to comment on the possible appointment of Rodriguez, the newspaper said.

Iraq George W. Bush Barack obama Afghanistan