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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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General Walks the Party Line

Petraeus as concerned with selling the war as winning it, say analysts

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(Newser) – General Petraeus appeared to be a mouthpiece for the White House in testimony that had no surprises and left many questions unanswered when he recommended no significant troop draw down from Iraq at least until summer, several analysts agree. Though he presented himself as just a soldier presenting facts, Petraeus is a politician as concerned with selling the war as winning it, Newsweek reports. 

His recommendations seemed primarily designed to quell discontent, says the Washington Post. His presentation was a far cry from the independent voice the White House once feared, reports the BBC. The proceedings served to underscore the challenge Democrats face to force a change in Iraq, notes the Times.

Gen. David Petraeus, left, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testify on the future course of the war in Iraq before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gen. David Petraeus, left, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testify on the future course of the war in Iraq before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee...   (Associated Press)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept....   (Associated Press)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept....   (Associated Press)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept....   (Associated Press)
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Breaking Down the Testimony

Hirsh: Petraeus smooth-talking salesman
Newsweek

Making the case for Iraq
BBC

Petraeus urges caution; Democrats helpless
New York Times

Running commentary on the hearings
New York Times

Related Links

Petraeus eyeing presidential run?
Mother Jones

Transcript of the hearings
Washington Post

Petraeus Testifies

Advocates pullback to pre-surge levels
Washington Post


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Iraq • Bush administration • Iraq pullout • David Petraeus • Ryan Crocker • Petraeus Crocker plan • Iraq war

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