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Arab-American general named to succeed Tommy Franks
Washington, June 19: US President George W Bush has nominated an Arab-American general to succeed Gen Tommy Franks as head of the Central Command, which encompasses the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Washington, June 19: US President George W Bush has nominated an Arab-American general to succeed Gen Tommy Franks as head of the Central Command, which encompasses the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Lieutenant General John Abizaid, 52, is currently serving
as Franks' deputy in charge of US military operations in Iraq.
His nomination was announced by the Pentagon today. It has to be confirmed by the US Senate.
Abizaid is a grandson of Lebanese immigrants and speaks fluent Arabic, which he studied at a university in Jordan. He also holds a master's degree in middle eastern studies from Harvard University.
Franks is due to retire in early July, but no date has been set for his successor to take over.
The area under the Central Command encompasses 25 countries in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. The US has about 250,000 troops in the region. Bureau Report
His nomination was announced by the Pentagon today. It has to be confirmed by the US Senate.
Abizaid is a grandson of Lebanese immigrants and speaks fluent Arabic, which he studied at a university in Jordan. He also holds a master's degree in middle eastern studies from Harvard University.
Franks is due to retire in early July, but no date has been set for his successor to take over.
The area under the Central Command encompasses 25 countries in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. The US has about 250,000 troops in the region. Bureau Report