(CNN) Gen. Joseph Votel, the top US commander for the Middle East and Central Asia is embarking on what should be a two-week farewell tour as he prepares to step down after a nearly 40-year career. But as head of US Central Command, he leaves under a different commander in chief than when he began the job, and after controversial orders from the White House to withdraw troops from Syria and begin withdrawing forces from Afghanistan. Votel took the helm at Centcom under President Obama as the US was urgently ramping up the war against ISIS and struggling to keep the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan in check. Votel now leaves office as President Donald Trump prepares to announce a victory of sorts. In a comment before Congress that drew worldwide attention, Votel publicly acknowledged he had not been "consulted" about the President's drawdown decision.

Source: CNN February 10, 2019 20:26 UTC