General David Petraeus was unanimously confirmed by the Senate Wednesday as the new U.S. Commander in Afghanistan.
Although the July 2011 date to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan has become a dividing issue between Democrats and Republicans, there was little doubt that the former head of Central Command would face a smooth confirmation process.
Petraeus will replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who was relieved of his position after criticism levied from him and his staff against various members of the Obama administration made it into a recent issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. McChrystal announced his retirement Monday.
The White House has not yet announced who will step-in for Petraues at Central Command, but it is widely assumed that it will be either Lt. General John Allen, the current Deputy Commander at CENTCOM, or General James Mattis, the head of U.S. Joint Forces Command. Both Generals were also considered as possible replacements for McChrystal.
Petraeus assumes command as U.S. forces prepare for a critical offensive in Kandahar province this summer.