By DPA
Washington : The top US commander in Iraq is being considered as the next North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military leader, The New York Times has reported.
General David Petraeus, 55, was a possible replacement for General John Craddock, the current commander of the alliance’s military operations, anonymous US defence sources told the newspaper.
Petraeus oversaw the US troop surge that boosted the number of soldiers to 160,000 in Iraq and has been credited with reducing sectarian violence.
The newspaper Monday reported that some sources believe the move would give Petraeus key experience for a potential future role among the Pentagon’s top brass, but others expressed concern it could damage US efforts in Iraq.
Possible replacement for Petraeus in Iraq included Stanley McChrystal, currently responsible for special operations forces in Iraq, and Peter Chiarelli, an adviser to Defence Minister Robert Gates.