World | USA
US Iraq chief Petraeus appointed head of US Central Command
The General in charge of US operations in Iraq has been appointed as the head of US Central Command.
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
- General David Petraeus' nomination was approved by the US Senate on Thursday night.
Washington: The General in charge of US operations in Iraq has been appointed as the head of US Central Command.
General David Petraeus' nomination was approved by the US Senate on Thursday night.
His new expanded role, which will begin in September, will see him take responsibility for operations and strategy in Afghanistan.
He will also have to deal with situations in Iran and Pakistan.
Gen Petraeus will take over from Admiral William Fallon, who resigned in March amid rumours of a rift over US government policies on Iran.
He was the man responsible for the 'surge' in Iraq, which has been credited with reducing the number of monthly deaths in the country.
Lt-General Raymond Odierno will in turn take Gen Petraeus' place as the head of US military operations in Iraq.
More from USA
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Allies quit ruling coalition in Nepal
Political row could trigger months of street protests and violence
-
Qatar blaze 'started at nursery'
Fire killed 19 including 13 children, at Doha’s main shopping centre
-
Jagan jailed over illegal assets
Andhra Pradesh leader accused of corruption, cheating, conspiracy

