Gen. Petraeus is getting a well-deserved promotion.
Army Gen. David Petraeus has been asked to take over the U.S. military's Central Command, which oversees combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Associated Press.CNN says Defense Secretary Robert Gates will make a major announcement at 11 a.m. ET.
Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno is expected to take command of coalition forces in Iraq, according to CNN and AP.
If he's confirmed by the Senate, Petraeus would replace Adm. William Fallon, who stepped down in March amid reports that he disagreed with the Bush administration's posture toward Iran.
Update at 11:09 a.m. ET: Gates says President Bush will nominate Petraeus to run Central Command and Odierno to take his place in Baghdad.
"I am absolutely confident he is the best man for the job," Gates tells reporters at the Pentagon.
He doesn't expect Petraeus to leave Iraq until late summer or early fall.
Update at 11:15 a.m. ET: Gates says he was surprised by Fallon's request to retire.
"It's my belief that General Odierno, General Petraeus and Admiral Fallon were all in exactly the same position when it came to their views of Iranian interference inside Iraq," he says. "And it is a hard position because what the Iranians are doing is killing American servicemen and women inside Iraq. And so I don't think there's any difference of view among them on that issue whatsoever."
Update at 11:55 a.m. ET: Petraeus just issued a statement: "I am honored to be nominated for this position and to have an opportunity to continue to serve with America's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and Civilians."
Blackfive saw this coming before the rest of us did.
Lefties were rooting for Petraeus to get the promotion -- but only because they're terrified he'll run for President in 2012. I don't see Petraeus running for President, but I'd enthusiastically support him if he did!
I have to wonder what this will mean for Iraq, however. Petraeus has done an incredible job with the rebuilding and stabilization process, and handled the surge magnificently. Losing his leadership in Iraq will be a blow, indeed -- but Odierno seems to have been learning from Petraeus and hopefully will be able to step ably into the large shoes Petraeus left for him to fill.
I'll update as more details are made available.
Hat Tip: Hot Air
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Breaking News, Iraq, Military
Comments (7)
According to Admiral Fallon... (Below threshold)1. Posted by moose223 | April 23, 2008 1:20 PM | Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
According to Admiral Fallon, Petraeous is just an ass-kissing chicken-shit, a statement testified to by several or my military friends in high levels of responsibility.
He's just the type that Bush likes, someone who will fulfill the desires of his superior without expressing his own opinion, even when his views are opposing those of his boss.
1. Posted by moose223 | April 23, 2008 1:20 PM |
Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on April 23, 2008 13:20
2. Posted by Brian | April 23, 2008 2:22 PM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Ah, so next time McCain says he'd follow Petraeus's advice on Afghanistan, he'll look like he actually knows what he's talking about.
2. Posted by Brian | April 23, 2008 2:22 PM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on April 23, 2008 14:22
3. Posted by WildWillie | April 23, 2008 2:58 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Yeah! When you have a direct report or a sub-ordinate, whether in the military or civilian life, the lefties here think it is a good thing to have the subordinates do and say whatever they want. Just goes to prove lefties have no way of knowing how the real world operates. There world is full of marshmellow clouds and yellow skies. ww
3. Posted by WildWillie | April 23, 2008 2:58 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on April 23, 2008 14:58
4. Posted by irongrampa | April 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Right man to head Centcom--Odierno will do a fine job filling Patraeus' shoes, also.
4. Posted by irongrampa | April 23, 2008 10:52 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on April 23, 2008 22:52
5. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | April 23, 2008 11:21 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Bush made a bold decision sticking with the surge and Patreaus. This is another good decision on his part. If Hillary or Obama were president, they would have found the way to reward MoveOn for smearing the general.
5. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | April 23, 2008 11:21 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on April 23, 2008 23:21
6. Posted by galoob | April 24, 2008 1:41 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
You'd support Petraeus for president?
What if he's pro-choice, wants to raise taxes and legalize illegal immigrants?
6. Posted by galoob | April 24, 2008 1:41 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on April 24, 2008 01:41
7. Posted by SPQR | April 24, 2008 1:52 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
I'm not surprised to see the loons out smearing Petraeus already.
7. Posted by SPQR | April 24, 2008 1:52 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on April 24, 2008 01:52