Perspective: Long-Rumored Shuffle of Generals Expected

U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talk to Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno in Baghdad on Wednesday. Odierno, known for what some say are overly aggressive tactics, has just transferred into Iraq as the number 2 Commander in Iraq.

WASHINGTON -- A shuffle of top American generals in Iraq is likely to accompany the shift in U.S. policy that President Bush is considering.

Army Gen. John P. Abizaid, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, has submitted plans to go ahead with a retirement that is months overdue, according to the U.S. Central Command.

And the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. George Casey, has indicated in recent months that he also may not stay much longer than the end of this year.

Since they have opposed sending more troops to Iraq, their departures could make it easier for Bush and his new Defense Secretary Robert Gates to switch course in the troubled campaign, where they are considering a short-term surge in forces.

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