Obama Expected to Name Panetta Defense Secretary

[babylonsister]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704187604576288653337298810.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Obama Expected to Name Panetta Defense Secretary

Associated Press


WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama plans to name CIA Director Leon Panetta defense secretary and Gen. David Petraeus, now running the war in Afghanistan, as chief of the intelligence agency, according to administration officials.

The changes would probably take effect this summer. Defense Secretary Robert Gates already has said he will leave this year.

The officials say Mr. Obama also is expected to announce that Lt. Gen. John Allen will succeed Gen. Petraeus as Afghanistan commander and that diplomat Ryan Crocker will be the next U.S. ambassador in Afghanistan.

The changes are expected to be announced Thursday at the White House.

[BeyondGeography]

1. Inspired choices

:sarcasm:

[babylonsister]

2. Oh, I don't know. A talking head this am

said they want Petraeus out of there so they can begin a serious drawdown in Afghanistan. I'll take that.

[BeyondGeography]

3. Seems Allen is a "savvy salesman"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-is-losing-a-savvy-leader-in-afghan-war-efforts/2011/04/13/AFjszP8D_story.html

Hopefully, that's what they want him to sell.

[Kdillard]

4. If that is the end game then great.

[former9thward]

5. I hope that is true.