US general who led Iraq exit tapped for Centcom

The US general who managed the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq has been nominated to lead US Central Command, which oversees forces in the Middle East and in Afghanistan, Pentagon chief Leon Panetta said Thursday.

If confirmed by the US Senate, General Lloyd Austin, 59, would replace General James Mattis to take over what is arguably the American military's most pivotal command, responsible for troops, warplanes and naval ships in a region gripped by unrest and political upheaval.

The next chief of Central Command will be responsible for the planned drawdown of US combat forces in Afghanistan through 2014 as well as preparing for potential crises and conflict in Iran, Syria, Yemen and Pakistan.

Austin spent much of the past 10 years in Iraq, leading the 3rd Infantry Division in the early months of the war, and also led the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. He took over as commander of US forces in Iraq from September 2010 until the US military's departure in December 2011.

"Lloyd would bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department," Panetta said in a statement.

Austin, if approved by the Senate, will take up the post in the early months of 2013. The current head of Central Command, Mattis, succeeded General David Petraeus, who was hailed for his leadership in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but was forced to resign as CIA director over an extramarital affair.

Austin currently serves as vice chief of the Army.