tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post2635077647463268046..comments2017-04-13T04:47:21.148-06:00Comments on Pro Libertate: UPDATED -- Briefly Considered: Gen. Petraeus -- US Security Not An "Objective" in IraqWilliam N. Grigghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-88901360661318627042007-09-12T12:10:00.000-06:002007-09-12T12:10:00.000-06:00I watched this video a few times and found Petraeu...I watched this video a few times and found Petraeus' body language and demeanor troubling.<BR/><BR/>Before he answers the first question, he crosses his arms and covers one hand with the other. This may indicate covering up information, if not outright lying.<BR/><BR/>The second answer may be more honest. However, I would expect a general to appear more confident and sure of himself. I don't see that here.<BR/><BR/>It is possible that Petraeus is following his commander in chief's orders and saying what he wants said.Al Newberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702350396853727859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-7545142593525421412007-09-12T08:45:00.000-06:002007-09-12T08:45:00.000-06:00Will, Petraeus may be astute and politically savvy...Will, Petraeus may be astute and politically savvy, but I suspect he is also quite honest. Rather refreshing, I think.Henry Bowmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-87485197911009254512007-09-12T08:36:00.000-06:002007-09-12T08:36:00.000-06:00Henry, you're correct about the narrowness of Petr...Henry, you're correct about the narrowness of Petraeus' vision, and the irony that he keeps himself focused on carrying out what is manifestly an impossible mission. <BR/><BR/>It still strikes me as astonishing that someone as astute and politically savvy as Petraeus, asked THAT question on THAT of all days, couldn't or wouldn't contrive some anodyne response along the lines of "we're fighting them over there so we'll be safer over here" or somesuch.William N. Grigghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368220509514750246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-7946816059758646882007-09-12T07:04:00.000-06:002007-09-12T07:04:00.000-06:00Will, whether Petreus testifies under oath is rath...Will, whether Petreus testifies under oath is rather clearly irrelevant. He was asked for <B>an opinion</B>. Plus, he was asked for an opinion of something that <B>really is not related to his mission.</B> And stating that he doesn't know the answer to the question seems a very straightforward reply. When he talks about "our objectives in Iraq", he is not necessarily discussing the objectives of the Bush Administration per se (who actually knows what those are? They keep changing.), but the more narrow objectives of his military mission, which as I understand them are to provide security sufficient to permit a political solution to evolve.<BR/><BR/>The distinct possibility that his narrow mission is virtually impossible doesn't seem to be discussed very much.Henry Bowmannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-68296373738913008722007-09-11T20:10:00.000-06:002007-09-11T20:10:00.000-06:00I listened to the video repeatedly and wrote my ow...I listened to the video repeatedly and wrote my own transcript of the parts that Mr. Grigg transcribed (or copied from someone else). <BR/>What I have does not appear to differ in any material way from what Mr. Grigg had. I am interested, however, in removing a possible objection on the ground that the transcription is inaccurate.<BR/>I should also note that I do wear hearing aids, so please listen to the recording for yourself and correct me if I am wrong.<BR/>Thank you.<BR/>Here is what I heard:<BR/>      Senator John Warner: "Are you able to say at this time if we continue what you have laid before the Congress here as a strategy, that you feel that is making America safer?"<BR/>      General David Petraeus: "I believe this is indeed the best course of action to achieve our objectives in Iraq."<BR/>      Warner: "Does that make America safer?"<BR/>      Petraeus: "Sir, I don't know, actually. I have not sat down and sorted out in my own mind."<BR/><BR/>Matthew<BR/>Spokane Valley, WAMatthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486955671158153354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32869165.post-41051612323867838332007-09-11T19:16:00.000-06:002007-09-11T19:16:00.000-06:00Petraeus does have some sense. You remarked earlie...Petraeus does have some sense. You remarked earlier how ambitious the General was; this way, he can ride both sides of the fence. Presently, his career depends upon pleasing his master, Bush. Once Bush is gone though, he may be able to cash in on his statements before Warner. Of course, any military man who reaches the rank of general is a politician foremost. It is sad to see how much this is just a game to him and everyone involved at the most fetid, perverse levels of government.Zacharyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334525584242029389noreply@blogger.com