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May 13, 2008 12:58:39 AM CDT

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New US Mideast Commander Installed  

Posted Mar 29, 08 8:58 AM CDT in World,  US    Most Covered

(newser) – A new commander has taken temporary charge of US military operations in the Mideast, after a quiet ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida yesterday. Lt. Gen Martin Dempsey will run CentCom while the administration seeks a permanent replacement for Adm. William Fallon, who quit abruptly earlier this month amid media reports that he was opposed to President Bush's policy on Iran, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

Dempsey, Fallon's No. 2 and a man described by Robert Gates as one of the military's "best strategic minds in one of the world's most complex regions," is taking command at a difficult time. Militia violence is surging in Iraq and the Taliban are once more on the rise in Afghanistan. He may take over the role permanently but Gen. David Petraeus is considered another likely candidate.

Sources St. Petersburg Times, AFP

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New US Mideast Commander Installed
U.S. Navy Adm. Williams Fallon, left, facing camera, salutes with colors as he stands with Robert Gates, Mike Mullin, and Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony.   (AP Photo)
New US Mideast Commander Installed
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey speaks to the troops during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony Friday afternoon March 28, 2008 at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.   (AP Photo)
New US Mideast Commander Installed
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, right, sits with U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony Friday afternoon March 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
New US Mideast Commander Installed
U.S. Navy Adm. William Fallon listens to Sec. of Defense Robert Gates during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony Friday afternoon March 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
New US Mideast Commander Installed
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, top, salutes Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Morin, during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony Friday afternoon March 28, 2008   (AP Photo)
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Iraq  • George W. Bush  • Iran  • Afghanistan  • US military  • Middle East  • David Petraeus  • Robert Gates  • William Fallon  • Central Command


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