General David Petraeus, leader of the US war effort in Iraq since January 2007, has been nominated by President George W Bush [Images] to become the senior commander of US forces in the Middle East, East Africa and Central Asia.

At the moment, the position is arguably the most important in the US military setup, given the ongoing arenas in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Petraeus, who boasts an impeccable educational (PhD from Princeton University) and military resume (topper at US Army Command and General Staff College), dominated headlines throughout 2007, as the main mastermind and executor of the controversial Bush 'troop surge', which saw nearly 30,000 additional US troops deployed to Iraq, and has achieved mixed results.

His decisive, bold approach to Iraq earned such him such fame that he was named one of Time magazine's four runner-ups for person of the year 2007; and various conservative publications and agencies around the globe also lauded him with awards and distinctions.

Some in Washington insist that a political future, including a potential run for the US Presidency, is in Petraeus' future, though the general himself has dismissed these reports.

The Pentagon says Petraeus' installation to the post of his former superior, Admiral William Fallon, is imminent, as early as late May (provided the Senate votes to confirm him).

Last year, Petraeus and Fallon's famously contentious relationship spilled over into the media when Fallon harshly criticised Petraeus' troop surge, saying it would leave America 'unprepared' for other potential conflicts.

Last month, Fallon, after reports of his sustained discontent with the military's new direction, resigned abruptly and hinted that America might pursue an increasingly aggressive stance on Iran.

Some commentators feel that Fallon's input tempered a too-aggressive administration, and that Petraeus' hawkish outlook could push Washington towards an armed confrontation with Tehran.

Petraeus, 55, has long been a favourite of the Bush administration, as his rapid ascension to the military's current most integral position attests. Lieutenant-General Ray Odierno will replace him as the Commanding General on the ground in Iraq.

Image: General David Petraeus
Text: Matthew Schneeberger | Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images