The Petraeus outlook

ARTICLE: Petraeus Mounts Strategy Review, By Ann Scott Tyson, Washington Post, October 16, 2008; Page A12

Again, we see the logic of a serious and comprehensive review (involving lots of regional experts) from the good general that will lead to a comprehensive approach. The big difference here is the scope of his work and authority has changed from just one conflict to the theater, thus the references in the piece to working with neighbors and leveraging their assets. For Afghanistan, that will mean Pakistan, obviously, but also Iran.

Naturally, doubts are raised that any CENTCOM boss can command such control over U.S. diplomacy and development issues, in addition to defense, but this is just Petraeus instinctively reaching for the reins of all of the 3 'D's.

Given his stature and the prominence of the conflict and the fact that this review will be presented to a new president come February, meaning it'll catch a new administration right at its start, I give Petraeus a good chance of obtaining a fairly large and free writ for action.

Comments

[Lexington Green]

I notice the review is scheduled for completion about a month after the new president is sworn in. Once the new man is unpacked and has found out where the pens and pads of paper are kept, in will walk Gen. Petraeus with the distilled wisdom and The Game Plan.

One of my more starry-eyed Obama-supporting friends told me just yesterday that President Obama will "get us out of Iraq", basically an immediate and total drawdown". I told her, (1 ) he is not saying that (people project a lot of hope, even fantasy, onto Sen. Obama), and (2) he would never, ever do that.

He will listen to Gen. Petraeus talk about the plan for the whole region, ask questions, make a tweak here or there maybe, and then say: "Go do it. Make it work. Don't embarrass me." Or words to that effect.

[Pilgrim]

It sounds like Petraeus is preparing a staff study for the next President, like the ones Eisenhower relied on when he was facing momentous decisions. Let's hope that the General does his work well and the new Commander-in-Chief takes heed of the counsel.

[critt jarvis]

After listening to Colin Powell, this morning on Meet The Press, I think Lex's scenario is probable.

Watch Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama