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May 17, 2008 1:36:13 AM CDT

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Petraeus to Head Centcom  

Posted Apr 23, 08 10:49 AM CDT in World,  US    Most Covered

(newser) – Gen. David Petraeus was tapped today to be the next commander of US Central Command, in charge of military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. If confirmed, Petraeus would replace Adm. William Fallon, who stepped down over disagreements with President Bush over Iran policy, the AP reports. "I don't know anybody in the US military better qualified to lead that effort," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.

Petraeus, the man behind the current US strategy in Iraq, would be replaced by Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, who returned to the US in February after 15 months as Petraeus' deputy. Gates said the change in command is planned for late summer or early fall, to "ensure plenty of time to prepare for a good handoff."

Source Associated Press

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Petraeus to Head Centcom
Gen David Petraeus, the four-star general who has been leading troops in Iraq, has been tapped to become the next commander of U.S. Central Command.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
Petraeus to Head Centcom
Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force, Iraq, answers a question during a news conference, Thursday, April 10, 2008, at the Newseum in Washington.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Petraeus to Head Centcom
Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno will replace Petraeus as senior commander in Iraq.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
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Iraq  • Afghanistan  • David Petraeus  • Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno  • US Central Command


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