Petraeus Cons Obama on Afghan War

[unhappycamper]

Petraeus Cons Obama on Afghan War
by Ray McGovern
Published on Saturday, September 25, 2010 by CommonDreams.org

One thing that comes through clearly in Bob Woodward's new book, Obama's Wars, is the contempt felt by Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, toward President Barack Obama.

One of Woodward's more telling vignettes has Petraeus, after quaffing a glass of wine during a flight in May, telling some of his staff that the administration was "(expletive) with the wrong guy."

No need to divine precisely what may be the "expletive deleted." Petraeus's Douglas-MacArthur-style contempt for the commander-in-chief comes through clearly enough. But Obama is no Harry Truman, facing down a popular general who may fancy himself a future president.

Pity poor Obama. Journalists favored with an advance peek at Woodward's new book, like Peter Baker of the New York Times, report that Obama last year pressed his advisers to come up with ways to avoid a major escalation in Afghanistan.

Baker notes that at one meeting the President "implored" them. "I want an exit strategy," Obama said.



unhappycamper comment: I had posted a story yesterday that had this quote:

Petraeus's private agenda is the honour of the U.S. military. His purpose in Afghanistan is not to win — the goal all generals have sought throughout history — but not to lose, or at least not to be seen to have lost.


I believe that to be true.

[RandomThoughts]

1. That is interesting.

I don't think I agree with that. I think that last comment is the importance of saving face, especially big in asian cultures.

hmm, in some way there may be something in that last comment. For those that depend on how people think about them, I think it is different, that might be a political, or having influence with people thought.

So not sure how that matters.

Although I will have material beer and travel money, and many good experiences, since it is due to me, and makes sense.

[northernlights]

3. the last comment is about Vietnam

the war in Afuckupistan is Vietnam 2. There is no way to win. There is only coverup and get out with fake honor.

The only reason I might disagree with it is the MIC wants perpetual war so they own us all in perpetuity.

[jaxx]

2. Another hit piece from commondreams, it is Sunday after all.

When an author is trying to come across as a smart guy and puts this "Obama is smart enough to know that, but he lacks the courage of his convictions. Teaching law or speed-reading a teleprompter does not a president make." in his piece, why would anyone give him the time of day.

No thanks. Pity Ray McGovern, he's a republican.

[stray cat]

4. Why do so many think so little of obama's intelligence and awareness?