Complex sentence: Harry was injured shortly before Parker was due to take up the position of deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force, but Parker took up the post on schedule, later saying in an interview Harry would be horrified if I didn't go.
Split into simpler sentences: Harry was injured shortly before Parker was due to take up the position of deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force. Parker did assume the post on schedule, later saying Harry would be horrified if I didn't go.