The general who directed the "surge" campaign in Iraq has been promoted to head America's two long-running wars and a possible future conflict with Iran.

Saddam Hussein's ally 'captured' in Iraq
Gen David Petraeus, the current US commander in Baghdad, is to lead Central Command (Centcom), after winning praise for engineering a reversal of fortune in Iraq.

Announcing the promotion, Robert Gates, the defence secretary, said that Gen Petraeus "has clearly been successful in his current assignment. I recommended him to the president because I am absolutely confident he is the best man for the job".

In a statement, Gen Petraeus said he was "honoured" by the appointment.

Mr Gates announced that Lt Gen Raymond Odierno, who served as deputy commander in Baghdad until February, would take command in Iraq.

With 30,000 extra combat troops despatched as a "surge" force, Gen Petraeus, a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, was able to vastly expand the American presence on Iraq's streets.