Breaking: Petraeus to be named Centcom commander
posted at 10:54 am on April 23, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Just across from the AP. The good news? A guy who’s done so much good in one theater of the war on terror now gets a crack at both. The bad news? Nothing against Ray Odierno, but Petraeus is so closely identified with the security gains in Iraq that one can’t help feel jittery about removing him from the equation. We’ll see.
I wonder what his alleged nemesis, Adm. Fallon, thinks about the choice of replacement. Gates is due to speak at 11; stand by for updates.
Update: How will the left greet the news? More happily than you might expect, albeit naturally not for the right reasons.
Update: Here’s a useful primer from WaPo about Odierno’s evolution from a commander known for bruising tactics in the early parts of the war to a more Petraeus-esque hearts-and-minds counterinsurgency leader of late. Abu Muqawama wondered when the article appeared how much of that evolution was imposed on him by Petraeus versus how much was his own adaptation. Soon we’ll know.
Update: Blackfive predicted it.
Update: MM’s watching the press conference and says Petraeus will remain in charge in Iraq until at least the end of the summer.
Update: Also on Odierno, see Fred and Kimberly Kagan’s piece arguing that he’s the unsung hero of the surge, tasked with translating Petraeus’s counterinsurgency philosophy into operational detail.
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I don’t remember who predicted it, but it seems that someone here did. Congrats to whoever that is. I for one am very happy about it.
infidel2 on April 23, 2008 at 10:58 AM
It was Blackfive liked by AP
infidel2 on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
The bad news is that ADM Fallon is more indicitave of the type of military officer to be promoted by McCain, Clinton, or Obama.
highhopes on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Now if we could just talk him into running for Commander in Chief…
kcfrommt on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I wouldn’t worry too much. I’ve read several articles stating Petraeus’ philosophy has been picked up by the commanders under him. This is particularly true because Petraeus was given the unprecedented ability to make promotion decisions while in the field, something generally reserved for the brass back home. The new Army COIN manual isn’t going away.
In fact, we might even dare to hope that from Centcom he can develop a more successful strategy for Afghanistan as well now.
TallDave on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
liked = linked and to think I even used the “preview”
infidel2 on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
If you remember during the Gulf War, General Stormin Norman Schwarzkopf was head of centcom before Iraq invaded Kuwait. This is a good decision!
Corey Wayne on April 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
This is going to make for some delicious confirmation hearings. And Gen. Odierno seems like a good pair of hands to put MNF in.
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Karl Rove needs to call this guy.
Then he should call Wesley Clark and tell him he can run for dog catcher.
Bill C on April 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
First thought: Dear God, not another Senate hearing for poor GEN Petraeus! Hasn’t this man been through enough?
Odeirno wasn’t exactly a Petraeus when he worked in Iraq but eventually evolved into something resembling him. I’ve heard Odierno referred to as a knuckle dragger, but as long as he truly gets COIN the way Petraeus does, it should be fine.
RELIGIOUS LEADER ENGAGEMENT is the key to success in Iraq! GEN Petraeus gets it; please, Lord, let Odierno get it.
Amy Proctor on April 23, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Congrats to Gen Petraeus. Any word on when MoveOn is going to take out another full page ad to attempt to smear the man?
Being CENTCOM CDR is goin to be a whole lot different then be the CG for OIF. For one his amount of time on the ground is going to be seriously curtailed. Gen Odierno is a good man and no doubt he will be able to carry on the COIN strategy started by Petraeus. One thing I want to caution folks, and don’t worry the MSM will let you know too, is that with this change the various insurgent groups are going to attempt to gain an advantage and test the man.
Be prepared that if a donkey spontaneously combusts in the Iraqi desert somewhere that the quagmire theme will be back along with armchair Birkenstock wearing quarterbacks proclaiming for the 11th hundred time that we have lost.
Just A Grunt on April 23, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Dems take note, this is what Hope and Change looks like.
BohicaTwentyTwo on April 23, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Oh, if only. This is a good day.
emailnuevo on April 23, 2008 at 11:28 AM
How dare they promote the man who’s very own words required the willing suspension of disbelief. The military sure has sunk to a new low.
It’s a sad day, indeed.
wise_man on April 23, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Clark would disgrace the dog catcher’s uniform. He is better suited for being a garbage collector.
belad on April 23, 2008 at 11:45 AM
TallDave,
That was actually the first indication I had that Bush had finally developed a clue, and we had a chance to really close the deal in Iraq after the post-invasion fumbles. Giving Petraeus the ability to handle promotions and assignments within his baliwick directly is not something a President does lightly, but it *is* something a smart President does when he realizes he’s got a commander who can cut through the bullshit.
In June of 1863, Abraham Lincoln conferred for the first time that power upon the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, George Meade. Within four days even as the army marched back up through Maryland and into Pennsylvania in pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia, Meade drop-kicked a passel of political and simply poor officers (although Kilpatrick and Sickles had a bit too much clout for even that), and started promoting the cream of the crop from the lower officers and enlisted ranks. As a result, when the armies collided at Gettysburg, the Army of the Potomac was probably at its command level peak, while the Army of Northern Virginia was still reeling from the loss of Jackson.
So giving that ability to Petraeus is a very good sign that Bush recognizes a successful and good officer, and understands his and the Washington brass’s limitations… and more importantly, is serious about winning this thing.
E1701 on April 23, 2008 at 11:45 AM
You beat me to it, my friend. Good thing I read the comments :) The spectacle from Hillary/Obama s/b delicious by itself.
Why could he still not run in 2012?
Entelechy on April 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Somebody’s trying to prevent him from possibly running for higher office. If one of the Marxist wins the election, he’ll still have to follow their orders.
Good thing…..Odierno is capable of continuing the work of General Petraeus. Remember, General Petraues literally wrote the book on COIN.
This one is pretty good too.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on April 23, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Hiya, Entelechy!
The best part? It’s not just listening to a report. This time, they’ve gotta vote him up or down. If I heard Gates correctly, they’re saying they’d like to have this nomination done by the end of May.
They’re going to have to confront an ever improving situation, and either embrace it or put up an utterly delusional facade, a willful suspension of belief, you might say.
Rove, you magnificent bastard!
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 11:58 AM
And , of course, should things heat up with Iran, guess who’s in position to set things up for that? Is this a move aimed at scaring Iran? It should worry them.
michaelo on April 23, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I really get the feeling he’s not horribly interested in that until his job is finished. And I have to say, I hope he stays in CENTCOM for the next 20 years as we can really use him in the GWOT
apollyonbob on April 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
So long as avoiding reversion to Rumsfeldian illogic, good.
Petraeus has many virtues that embrace vision, management, and effectivity of achievement in reality.
With the changing of the guard, Centcom and POTUS, witnesses should take note of the politics surrounding the warriors. Even the commander of cCentcom has powers he serves. Aside from Petraeus’ well earned accolades and deserved opportunity to direct leadership for our protection, there are the implications beyond effectivity regarding the alignment of commanders in our various fields.
With Afghanistan and Iraq mired without finalization of our intended goals STILL, what of the logical and fearful anticipation with the pursual of Iranian military intervention? If indeed the USA invades Iran, WE NEED A SECURE MILITARY INSTALLATION IN IRAQ that as yet we have not even negotiated in treaty WHILE GWB IS STILL POTUS. Compound that concern with the financing, let alone the troops necessary in number, just focus on financial remuneration from Iraq, if not for the freedom and education and training that we have given to them already, then FOR THE SECURE US MILITARY INSTALLATION IN IRAQ that by treaty will remain for 100 years, regardless of changing political leaders to come. If GWBUSH is going to leave us in Iraq, THOSE TWO MATTERS OF OUR NATIONAL SECURITY MUST BE RESOLVED PRIOR TO the man’s exodus from office.
Any president can start a war. It takes a great president to resolve a conflict. And on the count of historical resolution of conflict, Nixon was NOT a great president for example. Meanwhile, the perpetuation of eternal crisis empowers fascism.
We need to define that to perpetuate our involvement in Iraq, specifically, that the Iraqi government create in a 100 year treaty agreement, a USA military installation territory, and that Iraq will pay all expenses involved in the USA maintaining supervision of the Iraqi Constitutional Government that must protect its Iraqi citizens and their own Constitutional Rights.
Otherwise, there is treachery going on from the heads of state.
humble $.02 submission
maverick muse on April 23, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Now he will literally encircle Iran :) - Iraq, Afghanistan, the golf…the former USSR countries…heh, heh, heh
I like how calm he appears, in spite of his tiger-teeth.
RoveBush 43, you magnificent bastard!And the year is still young…
apllyonbob, I agree with you, but I’d make the left guess/nervous, anyway. They are so spineless. I’m so glad there still are few real men left, even in Washington.
Entelechy on April 23, 2008 at 12:13 PM
One of my kids has done a couple of deployments as an intel officer. Loves Bush for having the sense to go after Hussein and the guts to keep after this and enable good officers. Late recognition of the forest is better than not at all.
eaglesdontflock on April 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Think of Petraeus as the CEO and Odierno as the OO
bnelson44 on April 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Perfect!
bernzright777 on April 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Petraeus said during his
interrogationtestimony that Odierno had already began to implement components of the COIN strategy by the time he (Petraeus) had returned to Iraq and did credit Odierno with having the foresight.Texas Gal on April 23, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Because that is when the world ends silly. Don’t you watch the History or Discover channel?
Just A Grunt on April 23, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Yeah! That’s when the aliens come back to sling a giant asteroid at us and cause the Supervolcano in Montana to explode.
apollyonbob on April 23, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I trust Odierno. He’ll do a fine job.
He strikes me as Stormin’ Norman v2.0.
unamused on April 23, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Bohica… that was a solid 5X5……
MNDavenotPC on April 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Actually the super volcano is in Yellowstone Nat’l Park which is in Wyoming, home state of….Dick Cheney. Coincidence? I think not.
KelliD on April 23, 2008 at 1:05 PM
And I wonder what H.R. McMaster’s thinks about the whole ball of wax.
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 1:07 PM
We salute Petraeus for his marvelous work. He is indeed deserving of the position.
jencab on April 23, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Even before Fallon predicted it in private?
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Odierno, unsung hero? Huh? There has been a pretty fair amount of singing about him, so how can he be unsung?
Unsung hero? How about McMaster, he’s been much more unsung that Odierno.
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 1:20 PM
General Petraeus is the man. He’s a successful winner so I think anything he might decide to do, he will excel at.
Geronimo on April 23, 2008 at 1:22 PM
It was Commander Guy who promoted Fallon. “Rumor” has it, after no high ranking Army or Marine General at the time would tell him what he wanted to hear.
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Blackfive predicted it on March 11, 2008, when did Fallon predict it in private?
infidel2 on April 23, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Historical review is in order here…!
General Petraeus then and now…
Somewhere during this period when General Petraeus was in charge of basic training of Iraqi troops more than 165,000 AK47’s went mysteriously missing?
So to sum up, 40 months later, surely What; General Petraeus saw has become even more awesome?
President Bush has a proclivity to award his “losers” with medals and promotions…eg: DCI George Tenet, Presidential Medal of Freedom winner?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 2:40 PM
J_Gocht, the way you quote Petraeus and then quote Abigail Hauslohner as though you’re quoting Petraeus again is very compelling. But not as compelling as the truthdig link, which is the only one you saw fit to offer. I think you might be making a convert out of me with your devastating grasp of logic, reason and the facts of the matter.
Or, not. Because this:
…comes as no surprise to anyone who was paying any attention whatsoever at the time, including those who read the JAUMF and, um, voted for it.
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 3:16 PM
Though I’m sure we’re all glad that George “Slam Dunk” Tenet “came clean.”
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Even a “slow learner” would or could have surmised General Petraeus would have never made the “NOW” quote.
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Um, no. From Crooks and Liars:
SouthernDem on April 23, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I don’t know for sure. That’s why I asked.
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Friend, Foe Shoot at GIs in Sadr City
BAGHDAD - Three weeks after U.S. troops were ordered into the sprawling Shiite Muslim slum of Sadr City to stop rockets from raining down on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone, they’re caught in crossfire.
“Where’s it coming from?” the soldiers on the roof shouted to one another. “I think it’s coming from the north and west,” one soldier said over the radio. “Is the Iraqi army shooting at us?” Three times that day, the Iraqi army unit just up the road from the house was told to hold its fire because its erratic shots were hitting the house that its American allies occupied.
Three times, the Iraqis kept right on shooting.
“They told them to stop shooting,” Lt. Adam Bowen, the platoon leader, told his men of the 3rd platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
More shots rang out. “Well, that lasted,” said Sgt. David Stine, 28, of Iola, Ill., laughing.
Bowen and his men were sent to Baghdad after the Iraqi government launched a major offensive against Shiite militias in the southern port city of Basra. The Mahdi Army held off the government forces in Basra and neighboring provinces, then went on the offensive in al-Sadr’s biggest stronghold, Sadr City, a slum in northeast Baghdad that’s home to some 2.5 million people.
The Sadrists maintain that their Shiite rivals in the government of U.S.-backed Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are trying to undercut their power and popularity before provincial elections planned for October. The Sadrists, with a populist appeal to poor and marginalized Shiites, are likely to dominate Iraq’s southern Shiite provinces in the elections.
Whatever the origin of Iraq’s latest violent convulsions, American soldiers appear to have been dragged into the fight, backing the Shiite government against the Shiite Sadrists. “It ticks you off it all started as an Iraqi offensive and now … it’s definitely linked to Basra,” said Lt. Col. Dan Barnett, the commander of the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, who’s heading the American efforts in Sadr City. “I don’t think it’s over.”
MB4 on April 23, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Ms Abigail Hauslohner; if you’re a reader of this post?
Dear Ms Hauslohner, I quoted you anonymously without appropriate citation…Mon apologies!
I’m not absolutely sure it won’t happen again?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Are you suggesting that Senator Clinton may have unfortunately been a part of that “so called” authorization?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 4:09 PM
I thought were were cured of ‘truthout’ trolls.
eaglesdontflock on April 23, 2008 at 4:42 PM
eaglesdontflock…is that something like “catsdontherd”?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 4:45 PM
So called? Oh, do explain.
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 4:46 PM
That’s your excuse for posting quotes in such a misleading manner? I wonder if you would have come clean if not challenged. You’ve got an Olberman like stench about you.
a capella on April 23, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Who provides the foreign relations backgrounders…?
Who provides the SECRET briefings for the Senate and the congress..?
Who might skew the “intel”…?
HEAVEN FORBID…!
The “third leg of the stool” that has the CIA, NSA, FBI and other three letter acronyms under its purview…!
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I’ve respectfully apologized. The condition for lack of citation has been previously corrected.
It still requires a “slow leaner” to be unable to define the difference!
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Who’s Olbermann?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Who? George Tenet’s CIA, that’s who. You know, the CIA run by a Clinton appointee. What does that have to do with the validity of the JAUMF? Have you even read it?
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I wouldn’t waste my time, Pablo!
Dubyah kept him OJT!
Those results are a significant difference with respect to both our deplorable worldwide lack of respect and the national state of malaise and discontent today; after only eight very long years under the rule of… “Bush, the younger”…?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 6:21 PM
My daughter, an AF Intel Officer, was blessed to be able to work under and meet w/ General Petreaus in Iraq. He is truly a great man, and an ever better commander. His troops truly love and respect him. He will do an awesome job in this new position, as he has done all his career. This country is lucky to have men like General Petreaus. If only we could replace Congress and the Senate with honorable men and women from the armed services.
Ltmousseman on April 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Petraeus was clearly due for a promotion; I was afraid he might get sucked out of the operational chain of command. This is good news.
JM Hanes on April 23, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Shrewd politically. This will make the democrats look like the boobs they are during the confirmation hearings.
SouthernGent on April 23, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Monday Night Football?
aengus on April 23, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Thanks for you dear daughters service! Ltmousseman…!
My daughter is one Hella-of-a-warrior too!
Yah know…? Grizzled olde bastards, like us we don’t count so much anymore!
Leave it to the [babe] kiddos…!
But;… get the generals outa the generals corps!
Especially the political “browne noses” …!
Newly appointed to “head of “Corps”!
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 7:05 PM
I’m really nervous about this. Removing Petraeus from Iraq is liking removing Kobe Bryant from the Lakers. I sure hope things in Iraq don’t go to hell because of this move.
SoulGlo on April 23, 2008 at 7:36 PM
He didn’t move US two years ago in 2004 after 18 months of General Pet’s influence and lack of accountability…
He hasn’t and won’t move it or US after 48 mounths of his… “Bush’s General Pet’s” best military thought and influence…!
Call or post me again… when you’re reallly, really worried about our progress in Iraq…!
SoulGlo…?
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 7:51 PM
“J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 7:51 PM”
General Petraeus job is to do what is best to help win the war. His job is not to satisfy you Code Pink types who want America to fail in Iraq to help score you some political points.
SoulGlo on April 23, 2008 at 8:31 PM
And thank God for President Bush, the right man at the right time. The ONLY President in the last 60 years with the balls and conviction to fight these terrorist bastards, on their turf. The Job of the President is to protect this great nation, not to win a popularity contest. Polls are for the insecure.
Ltmousseman on April 23, 2008 at 8:41 PM
SoulGlo, there’s nothing in all my heart and soul than a winning attitude for our brave men and women in the military!
Problem is…They [Lil Bush boy and “dead eye dick” Cheney] picked the wrong battle, in the wrong place, for the wrong reasons, at the wrong time…!
Those [sorry politician mfkers thought they had the catbird seat]…. not!
Those multimillionaire asshole politicians could care less about …!
What happens to US little folks…?
They’ve got their rich bitch country and city places…
When you’re family’s hungry or got no gas…
CHECK ‘EM OUT!
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 8:52 PM
That’s a great idea! Bye!
Pablo on April 23, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Hey Pablo…we can always go…“Hat in hand”…!
J_Gocht on April 23, 2008 at 9:52 PM
SoulGlo, after listening to Sec Gates today at the press conference it seems to me that continuity was his main objective in recommending Petraeus to CenCom and putting Odierno in as MNF-I commander. I think it’s a wise move on Gates part. I’ve no doubt that Odierno can carry on.
Texas Gal on April 23, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Wow, that was beautiful. I’ve come to the conclusion that the far left loves to be marginalized. There’s no way they can think that they are winning any converts with such naked hate.
joewm315 on April 24, 2008 at 12:35 AM