General becomes war's 3rd U.S. commander

By LAUREN FRAYER, Associated Press Writer 12 minutes ago

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gen. David Petraeus took charge of U.S. forces in
Iraq on Saturday, becoming the third commander in the war and declaring the American task now was to help Iraqis "gain the time they need to save their country."


Petraeus took command under a glistening crystal chandelier that decorated a former
Saddam Hussein palace at Camp Victory.

The media-savvy, Princeton-educated Petraeus, 54, spoke bluntly of the task before him that coincides with
President Bush's decision to send an additional 21,500 troops to clamp off violence in Baghdad and nearby regions.

"We will have to share the burdens and move forward together. If we can do that and if we can help the people of Iraq, the prospects of success are good," he said. "Failing that, Iraq will be doomed to continued violence and civil strife."

The U.S. military reported the deaths of three more American soldiers, killed in an explosion Friday in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad. U.S. and Iraqi forces have battled Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias in Diyala for months.

The deaths raised to 36 the number of Americans killed in Iraq so far this month. At least 3,120 service members have died since the Iraq war started in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 51 Iraqis were killed or found dead Saturday across the country.


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