But Surayudh has a secret weapon - the country's first civilian defense minister, PM Chuan Leekpai himself ( see interview).

CNN: A Fresh Approach

"The democratization process, having a civilian defense minister, the economic crisis, all these factors increase the urgency of reform and make it more likely to happen, " says military expert Panitan Wattanayagorn.

CNN: A Fresh Approach

Meanwhile, Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi credited Allen for a drop in civilian casualties in Afghanistan, saying it helped to restore public confidence in the government.

CNN: US Marine general takes over NATO forces in Afghanistan