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Petraeus Panel to Rethink Iraq, Afghan Strategy

Posted Oct 16, 08 2:37 AM CDT in World,  US 

(Newser) – Gen. David Petraeus is assembling a panel of experts to carefully reconsider US strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Pakistan, Iran and the surrounding region, reports the Washington Post. He's recruiting a handpicked brain trust of advisers from the private sector, State Department and Pentagon. The group will study the situation for 100 days, with a primary focus on Afghanistan, which Petraeus admits has been "spiralling downward."

Petraeus hopes to focus on government-led reconciliation with Taliban militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to sources. "The biggest lesson of counterinsurgency is that every situation is unique. You have to be very careful to have that nuanced understanding," said Petraeus. The general oversees 200,000 American troops as head of US Central Command.

Source Washington Post

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Afghan elders carry the body of an alleged Taliban militant, who was killed by NATO air strikes.   (AP Photo/Abdul Khaleq)
Gen. David Petraeus has ordered a 100-day reassessment of US strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
A truck burning near a fuel station in the city of Herat in Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Fraidoon Pooyaa)
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Iraq • Iraq war • Pakistan • Taliban • Pentagon • David Petraeus • State Department • Afghanistan war


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