Bush's former special envoy to the Middle East, retired Marine Gen.

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Gen Petraeus, who oversees US military operations across the Middle East, as well as in Afghanistan and Central Asia, said attacks had worsened over the past two years and reached a new high in the past week.

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Much of this is the work of Lt Gen Simon Mayall, Britain's defence senior adviser to the Middle East, appointed in 2011.

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Following the mission, Gen Allen served as acting deputy commander of the US Central Command, overseeing American military operations across the Middle East and central Asia.

BBC: Gen John R. Allen