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.