General Walks the Party Line

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. (More Iraq pullout stories.)