There is to be a reshuffle at the highest levels of the Obama administration with CIA chief Leon Panetta flagged as the successor to Defence Secretary Robert Gates and commander of the coalition forces in Afghanistan General David Petraeus identified as the man to fill Mr. Panetta's shoes at the United States' spy agency.
Mr. Panetta will be taking over a challenging role at a time of unprecedented belt-tightening by the U.S. military. General Petraeus' departure is also striking in terms of its timing, as the Obama administration is poised to wind down military operations in Afghanistan starting this July.
Media quoting unnamed sources also said Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command Lieutenant-General John Allen would replace General Petraeus in Afghanistan and veteran diplomat Ryan Crocker was likely to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan.
Mr. Gates, who was an appointee of the former President, George W. Bush, has held the Pentagon's top job since late 2006. He helped lead two major military engagements of the U.S. — in Afghanistan and Iraq.
President Barack Obama appointed General Petraeus to lead International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan last year after Stanley McChrystal quit following controversial critical comments on civilian leadership of the war effort.
If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Panetta will take over from Mr. Gates on June 30.
