Senate Confirms General David Petraeus as CIA Director

Gen. David Petraeus has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the nation's next Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director. Petraeus will replace Leon Panella, who has gone on to become the new secretary of defense. BBC has more:

Gen Petraeus, commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan, was nominated for the CIA by President Barack Obama in April.

Gen Petraeus, 58, is widely admired across party lines in the US.

Analysts lauded his co-operation with the CIA in Afghanistan, where he was known for his use of CIA intelligence.

A 37-year veteran of the US Army, Petraeus has been given accolades and credit for his work in turning around the U.S.-led Iraq war. The general was sent to the war-torn nation by President George W. Bush back in 2007.

Petraeus, who won the Senate's approval in a 94 to 0 vote, is expected to start his position in September.