Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
New York Times
July 11, 2008
Pg. 9
By David M. Herszenhorn
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Gen. David H. Petraeus of the United States Army as commanding officer of the Central Command, the military headquarters responsible for Iraq and Afghanistan, among other areas of operation.
The Senate also approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to replace General Petraeus as the top military commander in Iraq.
A date for the change in command has not yet been set, a Pentagon spokesman said.
The vote for General Petraeus was 95 to 2, with only Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, and Senator Robert C. Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, voting against his nomination. The vote for General Odierno was 95 to 1, with only Mr. Harkin opposed.
In his new position, General Petraeus will take on vast geographical responsibilities across North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
He will face numerous challenges, including the tension with Iran over its nuclear program, a resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and the tribal regions of Pakistan, and mounting demands by the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, for a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.
President Bush nominated General Petraeus to replace Adm. William J. Fallon, who retired in March after public comments that seemed to suggest differences with the White House.
An aide to Mr. Harkin said he opposed both nominations “because he does not believe that either General Petraeus or General Odierno will take us in the direction we need in Iraq, namely setting a timetable for redeployment of U.S. forces.” Mr. Harkin also views General Petraeus “as an unapologetic supporter of this misguided war in Iraq, continually toeing the administration’s party line,” the aide, Jennifer Mullin, said.
Senator Byrd, the longest-serving member of the Senate, said he opposed the nomination of General Petraeus to the Central Command because he saw a need for continuity of leadership on the ground in Iraq. Mr. Byrd also complained that the general had been reluctant to answer questions during his hearing about areas other than Iraq, including Afghanistan and Iran.
“The book is still out on the success or failure of the surge strategy,” Mr. Byrd said in a statement. “General Petraeus should bring it to its conclusion before he is rewarded with a promotion.”
July 11, 2008
Pg. 9
By David M. Herszenhorn
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Gen. David H. Petraeus of the United States Army as commanding officer of the Central Command, the military headquarters responsible for Iraq and Afghanistan, among other areas of operation.
The Senate also approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to replace General Petraeus as the top military commander in Iraq.
A date for the change in command has not yet been set, a Pentagon spokesman said.
The vote for General Petraeus was 95 to 2, with only Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, and Senator Robert C. Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, voting against his nomination. The vote for General Odierno was 95 to 1, with only Mr. Harkin opposed.
In his new position, General Petraeus will take on vast geographical responsibilities across North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
He will face numerous challenges, including the tension with Iran over its nuclear program, a resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and the tribal regions of Pakistan, and mounting demands by the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, for a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.
President Bush nominated General Petraeus to replace Adm. William J. Fallon, who retired in March after public comments that seemed to suggest differences with the White House.
An aide to Mr. Harkin said he opposed both nominations “because he does not believe that either General Petraeus or General Odierno will take us in the direction we need in Iraq, namely setting a timetable for redeployment of U.S. forces.” Mr. Harkin also views General Petraeus “as an unapologetic supporter of this misguided war in Iraq, continually toeing the administration’s party line,” the aide, Jennifer Mullin, said.
Senator Byrd, the longest-serving member of the Senate, said he opposed the nomination of General Petraeus to the Central Command because he saw a need for continuity of leadership on the ground in Iraq. Mr. Byrd also complained that the general had been reluctant to answer questions during his hearing about areas other than Iraq, including Afghanistan and Iran.
“The book is still out on the success or failure of the surge strategy,” Mr. Byrd said in a statement. “General Petraeus should bring it to its conclusion before he is rewarded with a promotion.”