Odierno takes the reins as No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq

Odierno commanded the U.S. 4th Infantry Division and was criticized for his 'aggressive' approach towards ending the insurgency, including indiscriminate 'mass sweeps' of all adult males 16 years or older in problem villages, many of which ended up in Abu Gharib. Analysts say the insurgency gained strength from Iraqi resentment of his tactics.

CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ — Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno assumed command of U.S. troops at a ceremony in the capital on Thursday, vowing to pursue more than just combat to resolve the conflict in Iraq.

"This is not just a military solution only," he said to the crowd assembled outside one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces near the U.S. military headquarters. "It is a combination of diplomatic, economic and military programs."

But those who know Odierno say the hard-charging general who plotted Hussein's capture as well as anti-insurgency operations may put more effort toward securing, rather than rebuilding, Iraq when he becomes the No. 2 U.S. commander here.

Odierno gained a reputation as an aggressive commander while leading the 4th Infantry Division in Sunni Arab-dominated parts of the country in 2003 and '04. Some military analysts have argued that the region's continued unrest can be traced to his heavy-handed methods.

Odierno's predecessor, Army Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, was seen as a champion of more comprehensive strategies aimed at winning over local populations, including large-scale public works programs and restrained firepower in the face of sectarian warfare.

Read the rest at the LA Times

Related Link:
McCain: Military commanders 'considering' 35,000 more combat troops to Iraq

Related Link:
Report: Pentagon plan for substantial buildup of troops in Iraq, attack on al-Sadr

Related Link:
Report: Bush plans "last big push"; Baker commission to comply