Petraeus politicking once again!
We won’t comment on his military prowess, but when it comes to foreign policy and diplomacy General Petraeus is a repeat offender of voicing his opinion where it is not appropriate. He has, famously, made predictions abut the imminent state failure of Pakistan, forcing Holbrooke from the State Department to have to backtrack and mitigate the damage of his remarks. Not one to apparently learn from his mistakes or to heed the advice of the professional diplomats, Petraeus once again sallied into the public debate to voice his less than tactful opinions on US Pakistan and Afghanistan adventures. So in a new twist, Petraeus unwilling to limit his views to Afpak, chose to venture forth into a rather simplistic analysis of Lebanon and Hezbollah. Petraeus chose to make his comments just ahead of Lebanese elections where despite a visit and similar undiplomatic comments from Vice President Biden, the US insists, just insists, that it has no aganeda in relation to the Lebanese election outcomes. Next to the UK’s David Milliband, Petraeus would be our next favorite pick for the American Idol of Foreign Policy foot in mouth contest.
Sphere: Related Content“Hizbullah’s justifications for existence will become void if the Palestinian cause is resolved. Reaching an agreement over a peace process in the Middle East will eliminate several groups’ justifications for existence,” he explained. Petraeus added that resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will pave the way for Arabs and Muslims to help the US in its war against terrorism
The Daily Star – Politics – Petraeus: Hizbullah will have no reason to exist
Comments (2)
[...] before. The dangers there are many and varied. However, despite the negativism from the likes of a politicking Petraeus, a recognizable national entity can, through encouragement and coercion, be coaxed into existence. [...]
[...] this the US experience where General Petraeus, who we do on occasion take to task for his grandstanding, had to admit this week that militant attacks have risen steadily in the last three years and [...]