Army General Nominated to Replace Franks

Newsday ^ | 6/18/03

[areafiftyone]

WASHINGTON --

An Arabic-speaking Army general of Lebanese descent has been nominated to replace Gen. Tommy Franks as head of U.S. Central Command, the Pentagon announced Wednesday.

The nomination of Lt. Gen. John Abizaid, currently second-in-command under Franks, was widely expected since Franks announced last month he would retire this summer. Abizaid must be confirmed by the Senate before taking the reins at Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia, including Iraq and a large swath of the Middle East.

Abizaid, a grandson of Lebanese immigrants, speaks fluent Arabic, which he studied at a university in Jordan. He also holds a master's degree in Middle East studies from Harvard and has said he loves the region's people and culture.

Abizaid referred to that background during a news conference at the height of combat in Iraq.

[anthony634]

I worked for him for about 18 months - he's Christian. Absolutely great choice to be out front for th U.S. in that part of the world.

Very very smart; was one of the Rangers who led the way in Granada and much more . . . very distinguished record.

[jacquej]

I can verify that he isn't. My son graduated from West Point, and served under Abizaid in Vicenza, Italy for 3 years... 82nd Airborne...

He says Abizaid is the best officer he knows, and will be ecstatic to hear this news!!!

[MEG33]

Great!

[Al Simmons]

I worked with him about 7 years ago, when he was a 1-star. He is Catholic (Remember that Lebanon used to have a Christian majority population until the late 70s-early 80s)

Al

[HatSteel]

There was another article/discussion on him in the past.

The results: turned out that he was from a Christian family. I can check, but I'm pretty sure of this.

[Ben Bolt]

Bump for later !

[MonroeDNA]

"So what if he were a Muslim?"

Then we would know he is basically against Western values. Such as Democracy (not in the Koran).

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

But speaking fluid Arabic just cries out for somebody to check and verify that he is not a closet Muslim

Rats ass, the guys a Christian, near the top of his class at West Point, Commanding General 1st INF., Army Rangers in Grenada, Kosovo, this guy is a warrior 24/7.

[SauronOfMordor]

But speaking fluid Arabic just cries out for somebody to check and verify that he is not a closet Muslim!

He's Lebanese Christian.

[mark502inf]

So what if he were a Muslim?" Then we would know he is basically against Western values. Such as Democracy (not in the Koran).

You missed the point. In the Army he's been weighed & measured & observed & rated over the last three decades while he has steadily risen in rank and responsibility. If he had a loyalty problem, he would not be where he is today whether he is Muslim or anything else. Judge people on their behavior, not their religion--it's the American way.

[DannyTN]

"He's Lebanese Christian. "

Excellent! He'll be fair and compassionate, but will kick butt when needed.

[Airborne Longhorn]

This is a good man and a fine commander.

Believe me.

[DannyTN]

I expected no less. Sorry I had to ask the rude question. But I'd always rather ask it than have our boys be sorry down the road.

Great to hear we've got such an exemplary replacement for Franks.

[HatSteel]

Your asking the question is more than appropriate.

I've got a feeler out to a friend who might have worked for him at West Point.

Once I get the answer I'll be able to let you know if:

1. He's Christian or Muslim

2. A notional Christian or a real Christian

3. A mere believer or also a disciple.

[areafiftyone]

I am glad too and I think they made a good choice!

[Prodigal Son]

Sorry I had to ask the rude question.

It's no problem whatsoever that you ask and your question was in no way rude although I'm certain some on the left would view it as coarse. I, personally, can understand learning the language but I find the culture itself repellent. My eyebrow would raise at anyone who loved it.

[rogator]

What is a notional Christian?

[DannyTN]

That post is kind of hard to follow. It's hard to tell if they are talking about Nash who is known to have cheated on his wife or Abizaid.

[Fred Mertz]

At any rate, one of the characters is an American General who speaks fluent Arabic and was educated in the Middle East and who loves the culture and people.

That's interesting.