Yet another person leaving a top position. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has announced that he will be leaving his position in June. This comes ahead of the news that Pres. Obama will be announcing later this week that CIA Director Leon Pannetta will be taking Gates’ place. The president is hoping to have Pannetta confirmed before Robert Gates’ departure.
Also in the defense shake up. Pres. Obama will announce that Gen. David Patraeus, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will replace Pannetta as CIA Director, Lt. Gen. John Allen will replace Petraeus and diplomat Ryan Crocker will become the next U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan.
The move is said to be the result of the changing tides in the Middle East and surrounding areas. As U.S. forces fight along with NATO in Libya against Muammar Qaddafi. I am not sure about anyone else, but changing up positions in the middle of a war does not seem like a great thing to do.
However, I am sure that Gen Petraeus will do a great job as director of the CIA, and Pannetta likewise will good as the new Defense Secretary.
The news seem to have been handled very well in D.C. and across the country. I am a little skeptical, but am trying to keep an open mind till I see how the change works.
Shawn_the_Writer
