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Petraeus to Head Centcom

Predecessor had been at odds with Bush; Odierno will take over in Iraq

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2008 10:49 AM CDT

(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."

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)

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)

Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno will replace Petraeus as senior commander in Iraq. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

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Petraeus to Head Centcom

Predecessor had been at odds with Bush; Odierno will take over in Iraq

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Petraeus Gets New Title, Plans Pakistan Visit

Chief of US Central Command headed to region he oversees

Petraeus Could Be Tapped to Head NATO

Pentagon mulls Iraq commander's next assignment

Gen. Petraeus Steps Down

He's off to CIA following troubling assassinations

Biden Makes Surprise Stop in Iraq

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, Petraeus calls for unity

Afghan War 'Tougher Than Iraq': Envoy

'I have never seen anything like the mess we have inherited'

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Petraeus to Head Centcom

Predecessor had been at odds with Bush; Odierno will take over in Iraq

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Afghanistan • David Petraeus • US Central Command • Gen. Ray Odierno

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Petraeus Gets New Title, Plans Pakistan Visit

Chief of US Central Command headed to region he oversees

Petraeus Could Be Tapped to Head NATO

Pentagon mulls Iraq commander's next assignment

Gen. Petraeus Steps Down

He's off to CIA following troubling assassinations

Biden Makes Surprise Stop in Iraq

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, Petraeus calls for unity

Afghan War 'Tougher Than Iraq': Envoy

'I have never seen anything like the mess we have inherited'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?