Briefing by Gen Petraeus April 2007

After watching the Pentagon briefing by Gen. Petraeus, I believe the General has presented contentions within two paradigms, one political and one military. The General candidly speaks of the “enormous,” long-term American resources that will be necessary in Iraq. From these assertions it seems clear that he understands that it would be appropriate at this juncture for another political decision by the civilian authority in this country. I believe that he understands that the American people and those in political authority did not anticipate the four year evolution of the war or approve the commitment he believes necessary at this time. By his delineation of needed accomplishments by the Iraqi government as well as his projections of time and manpower requirements of United States forces essential to the stabilization of an Iraqi nation he appears to make clear that a new political consensus should be reached in Washington.

In this regard, it is wholly appropriate, if not mandated, that a discussion in good faith take place between Congress and the President as to our effort within Iraq and as to Iraq in the broader Middle East. Party politics on this issue and legacies be damned when so many lives are at stake.

General Petraeus has also presented a candid, balanced assessment of the strategic and many of the tactical military objectives within Iraq. He presents a view of how, in the context of security provided by the “coalition” and Iraqi forces, the development of Iraqi political control should progress. To be sure, arrogance and incompetence, among other reasons, at the highest levels of civilian and military authority in the United States has delayed the implementation of a reasoned, intelligent, coordinated military/civilian plan. However, Congress gave Gen. Petraeus its approval to begin an attempt to turn the situation around. Thousands of American’s have already invested their lives. Tens of thousands of Iraqi families have lost loved ones. Patraeus has an approach that appears worthy of support both as to its military viability and in the context of the political debate.

As a Vietnam veteran, I recoil at the way that the Vietnam War is twisted by some Democrats to fit a political argument about Iraq. As a formal federal prosecutor, I join the call for a thorough review, through an impeachment proceeding if necessary, of the motives and acts of those in this administration who created this unnecessary war and global turmoil. The bottom line is, however, that we assumed the responsibility for Iraq and must accept responsibility for the collateral consequences as well. We cannot honorably turn our backs and walk away.