The Petraeus 'report'

This morning was the long anticipated appearance of Gen. David Petraeus in Washington to talk about how the “surge” of U.S. forces in Iraq is working out. This is a well choreographed dance, fully rehearsed, with all the players knowing their parts. The general’s “report” to President, Congress and country will have little impact on policy.

Everyone has known for quite a while that Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, will recommend a “pause” in the drawdown of American troops this summer to give everybody a chance to assess how the surge has done and see if the Iraqis have made any real progress at standing on their own. President Bush already has said he supports Petraeus’ position, which means it’s going to happen, no matter what anybody in Congress says.


All three presidential candidates have outlined their positions on troop withdrawals from Iraq, and nothing Petraeus said was expected to change those stances either. I wouldn't expect any of the candidates to object to strongly to a "pause" in the withdrawals. It is very difficult to argue convincingly against recommendations from the general on the ground, particularly when he says the pause is to assess progress. Resolving Iraq will be the job of the next president, no matter how long this pause lasts.

During the general’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee, committee members, who in this case include John McCain and Hillary Clinton, each were allotted a few minutes to question the general. McCain used his time to emphasize his position that we should stay the course. Clinton pointed out, again, that she favors and orderly and continuous withdrawal.

A sure sign that this appearance was more sound bite and photo-op than policy deliberation, was that McCain and Clinton didn’t stay long after they had their say, and once they left, so did most of the media. The New York Times' Mike Nizza blogged the hearing and noted the departures.