24 April 2008
Adm. William Fallon, chief of U.S. Central Command, is resigning and it has been said that he disagreed with the Bush administration over the war in Iraq. He is being replaced by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq. This appointment will take place in late summer or early fall and Petraeus is being replaced by Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the second in command in Iraq. At this point in time these are just appointments and need to be confirmed by the Senate.
As chief of U.S. Central Command, Petraeus will oversee U.S. forces in all the Middle East, not only Iraq and Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended Petreaus and Ordierno as he feels that they are the most experienced military leaders to fill the posts. Last month Petreaus told Congress that Iranian agents have played a “destructive role” in Iraq by backing Shiite militants. He also said, “Unchecked, Shiite militants pose the greatest long-term threat to the viability of a democratic Iraq.” Looks like we are in Iraq for a long, long haul if the next president doesn’t start bringing the troops home. That won’t happen if McCain is elected.
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