John Abizaid, a Lebanese-American general and Middle East expert, replaced Tommy Franks Monday as head of the US Central Command, which directs forces in a vast region that includes Iraq and Afghanistan.
During a ceremony at the command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld took the command flag from Franks and passed it to Abizaid, in a symbolic transfer of leadership.
Abizaid also was promoted from lieutenant general to general.
"I know of no one more qualified to follow in Tom Franks' very large footsteps," Rumsfeld said. "John Abizaid brings an extraordinary combination of talent and experience to this critical post."
Abizaid, aged 52, will oversee troops in a region that encompasses 25 countries in the Middle East and southwest Asia.
"We know success (throughout the region) will require not only military muscle but the focus of economic, political, intelligence and diplomatic efforts of the United States and of our friends and allies," AFP cited Abizaid as saying.
"We also know the ultimate success will rest in the hands of courageous Afghanis and Iraqis, which will lead their people to a better future."
For his part, Franks, who plans to retire, said "Central Command is in good hands. America is in good hands." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
