Credited with mastering Iraq, Petraeus takes new warfighting post with wider responsibilities

By ROBERT BURNS , Associated Press MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Gen. David Petraeus, regarded as rescuer of a failing war in Iraq, rose to the helm of Central Command on Friday. He pledged to push for more than military solutions to the troubles of the greater Middle East. Within hours he was to leave for a trip to the region. Under bright sunshine on the shores of a glistening Tampa Bay, the four-star commander underlined the many problems facing not only Iraq and Afghanistan but also other countries in his new area of military responsibility — from Egypt, Lebanon and Syria to Iran, Pakistan and the rest of Central Asia. "As we have all seen in recent years, addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches to employ the whole of our government's capabilities," he said, alluding to his effort, during 20 months... [read full story]