General Walks the Party Line

Petraeus as concerned with selling the war as winning it, say analysts
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 11, 2007 4:17 AM CDT
General Walks the Party Line
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)   (Associated Press)

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.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X