Petraeus to be elevated to CENTCOM commander

Breaking over the AP, it's confirmed that General David Petraeus will be promoted to CENTCOM commander:

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."

This is a surprise move. We believed that General Ray Odierno would be the shoo-in for the job, given that Petraeus's job in Iraq is not yet finished. However as Secretary Gates explained, General Petraeus will remain in Iraq until later this year as the surge continues to work over there. Now he gets a chance to execute his strategy in Afghanistan, as well, in an effort to finish off the Taliban/AQ elements plaguing NATO and US forces in Afghanistan.

This is an outstanding move by President Bush, and one in which the Left might throw a hissy fit over. Allah notes that they may be more than willing to pass him through just so that he won't be a factor in the 2012 elections. (Yes, we know he has stated recently that he has no presidential aspirations, however, no one knows his mind, save himself.)

Congratulations to General David Petraeus. We know that with him helming CENTCOM, the defense of this nation, during this war, is in good hands.

Publius II