"In their estimation, they believe that if you don't assume command you don't have responsibility there for what goes on, " he said.

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In September Williams will assume command of the station's Expedition 33 crew, becoming only the second woman to lead the orbiting outpost.

MSN: High score assured: Astronaut doing triathlon �� from space

This week's despatch of the deputy Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) - Maj Gen Moshe Kaplinski - to assume command of operations on the northern front is the clearest signal yet that things have not gone according to plan.

BBC: Man walks past bombed building in Tyre 10 Aug