27/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - Petraeus quits ISAF to take over at head of CIA. US President Barack Obama is reported to have taken the decision, on Wednesday 27 April, to appoint a new commander for international forces in Afghanistan, General John Allen, who is currently second in charge to General David Petraeus. Petraeus, who currently heads the ISAF, will take over from Leon Panetta at the head of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency). This reshuffling, as convergent media sources in Washington report, will come about in coming months and should be accompanied by the replacement of Defence Secretary Robert Gates by Leon Panetta. Although Gates has always stressed he was willing to leave at any moment, this change still remains significant as it means the departure of the only Republican from the current US administration. (J.K./transl.jl)