Senate approves Panetta to head Pentagon

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Senate approves Panetta to head Pentagon

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CIA chief Leon Panetta would assume his new post replacing Robert Gates from July 1.

22 June,2011 07:12 am

The United States Senate unanimously confirmed Leon Panettas nomination to be defence secretary hailing his successes as CIA chief as major challenges await him in Afghanistan and Libya. All 100 members of the Senate approved the nomination of Panetta.Leon Panetta has supported President Obama’s decision to withdraw a significant amount of troops from Afghanistan. Obama is also due to announce his plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan as the military works to put Afghans in charge of their own security by 2014.On the other hand, General David Petraeus, now the US commander in Afghanistan is due to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday for his nomination hearing.