Petraeus the next CIA chief?

Commander of US forces in Afghanistan General Petraeus is being “seriously considered” for the job of CIA director.

WASHINGTON: Commander of the US forces in Afghanistan General David Petraeus is being “seriously considered” for the job of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, according to a report released late on Monday by National Public Radio (NPR).

Petraeus plans to leave his current post later this year, and NPR, citing unnamed government officials, reported that he “would take the job if offered.”

According to the report, Petraeus has coordinated with the CIA in his job as commander in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While it’s not certain that Petraeus will get any new job in the administration, NPR reported several weeks ago that his replacement in Afghanistan is expected to be Marine Lt Gen John Allen, who is currently deputy commanding officer of US Central Command, which covers both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Leon Panetta currently heads the CIA but is likely to replace Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

With additional input from News Desk



Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2011.