General Petraeus takes command of military coalition in Iraq

AFP via NewsAsia ^ | February 10, 2007 | Staff

[La Enchiladita]

Incoming U.S. military commander in Iraq General David Petraeus (2nd R) smiles while standing with outgoing General George Casey (3rd R) and other military officers during the hand-over ceremony at the U.S. military Camp Victory in Baghdad February 10, 2007. Petraeus, the new U.S. military commander in Iraq, said on Saturday that American and Iraqi security forces had to stabilise the country in what he called a high-stakes battle, or it would be doomed to more violence. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (IRAQ)

General David Petraeus (R) stands with Army General John Abizaid (3rd R) and General George Casey (2nd R) as he takes over as top commander for U.S. troops in Iraq during a ceremony in the Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad February 10, 2007. Petraeus said on Saturday that American and Iraqi security forces had to stabilise the country in what he called a high-stakes battle, or it would be doomed to more violence. REUTERS/Maya Alleruzzo/Pool (IRAQ)

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BAGHDAD : General David Petraeus, a 54-year-old paratrooper with a reputation as a deep thinker, has taken on the toughest job in the US military as head of American-led forces in Iraq.

Petraeus was named commander of the 140,000-strong force at a ceremony in Camp Victory, a massive American base on the outskirts of Baghdad, the violent epicentre of a bitter sectarian war.

He is tasked with turning around a faltering mission which faces mounting US casualties and a dramatic collapse in domestic political support.

"Now is the time for all Iraqis to to reject violence and crime and corruption and to rise up against those who employ such methods to further their goals," the general told assembled dignitaries on Saturday.

"The rucksack of responsibility is very heavy. In truth, it's too heavy for any one person top bear, and we will all have to share the burden and move forward together," he said, adding "the prospects for success are good."

"Failing that, Iraq will be doomed to continued violence and civil strife," he warned, promising to provide the US, British, Polish, Korean and other allied troops with "the best leadership I can muster."

Petraeus, who has a doctorate in international relations, took over command from General George Casey.

The ceremony, conducted under under a crystal chandelier in the grandiose rotunda of one of ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's former palaces, was presided over by US Central Command leader General John Abizaid.

Petraeus's chances of success hang on the latest in a series of what have so far been failed US attempts to regain control of Baghdad and central Iraq, a region plagued by Shiite militias and roving gangs of Sunni insurgents.

Daily attacks on US-led forces and Iraqi civilians have increased steadily since the fall of Saddam Hussein in April 2003, and more than doubled in the 12 months since Sunni bombers destroyed a revered Shiite shrine in Samarra.

Ahead of the ceremony, Casey told reporters: "My greatest fear is that the Iraqis can't put the past behind them.

"We liberated them from 35 years of tyranny. We can't liberate them from the fears and prejudices that grew up in that 35 years. They have to do that themselves," he said.

…. One of the architects of the new plan, which will see 21,500 extra US troops flown in to work with Iraqi units trying to pacify Baghdad and Anbar province, Petraeus is now the figurehead for a controversial gamble.

The pressure on him will only have been increased by the extraordinary outpouring of positive media coverage of his career and ideas, which stands out from the increasingly downbeat tone in most recent reporting.

Petraeus - who has spent a total of two-and-a-half years in Iraq since the invasion as commander of the 101 Airborne Division and head of the mission to train Iraqi forces - is hailed as an intellectual and Iraq's best hope.

…..According to a new counter-insurgency manual drafted under Petraeus himself, for victory he would need "at least double the number of troops the United States will have on the ground once the surge is implemented."

Even as the handover was taking place, US and Iraqi troops were moving about the capital, continuing a week-old stepped up campaign hunting for insurgents and militia chieftains in the war-torn suburbs.

Policymakers hope the joint operation marks a new resolve by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to finally confront the extremists in his own Shiite camp and reverse a trend that has seen scores of sectarian murders per day. - AFP/ch

[sine_nomine]

God bless our troops.

[sageb1]

Thanks for the post! Wishing the good General Godspeed, good luck, and the fortitude to stand up to the Bashing Leftists.

[shield]

Yep, a new commander that can see things differently. Blessings to you General & his other commanders!!!

[freema]

God speed, Petraeus.

[La Enchiladita]

I knew I wouldn't have to ping YOU....:)

[freema]

{{{{{{{{{dita}}}}}}}}}

How's about I ping this gang...

[La Enchiladita]

A welcome ping to General Petraeus's new command, and prayers for him and for our troops...

[La Enchiladita]

Okay, between us, we probably just nailed hundreds....LoLoL

((((freema))))

[freema]

Yep. Come on over here and listen live

Kit Jarrell is coming on with one of the accused Marine's dad.
http://blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=12176

[luvie]

I thought I noticed that name in the news this morning. I hope he will be a strong commander for this group of brave warriors and won't compromise with any detractors!

God bless him and guide his hand to do the best for our troops and our country!

[CyberAnt]

HoooooRah!! General .. let 'em have it!!

[freema]

And some FReepers!

[truth_seeker]

All this is based on the assumption that arab muslims value democracy, peaceful self-rule enough to cooperate with us. To strive for it.

(Arab muslims battle each other in so called Palestine.)

Japan and Germany are peaceful, yet we are still there.

[Republic_of_Secession.]

For a second I thought it read General Pretorius at the top.

[La Enchiladita]

I believe that General Casey's quoted comments are relevant to your sentiments. I find him to be quite eloquent in a way that is indicative of a profound mind and profound heart.

God bless our military.

[La Enchiladita]

I hear a lady's voice and two men...?

[Sword_Svalbardt]

Start kicking some butt, leave the bodies of the enemy to rot.

[The Mayor]

He has a tough job to do, God Bless him and all our Troops.

Remember to Pray for their success.

[freema]

Yep, I can not access it, Grrrrrrrrrr.

our own lilycicero was on.