Petraeus Explains Differences In Strategy For Afghanistan, Pakistan

Taking charge ... General David Petraeus.
Photo: AP/Sydney Morning Herald

From The U.S. Department Of Defense:

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2009 – Although the U.S. government recognizes the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it makes sense from a strategy standpoint to consider the two countries as one theater, the commander of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus praised the comprehensive strategy during his testimony before the panel.

“Although the additional resources will be applied in different ways on either side of [their mutual border], Afghanistan and Pakistan comprise a single theater that requires comprehensive ‘whole-of governments’ approaches that are closely coordinated,” Petraeus said.

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My Comment: This is a one page summary of General Petraeus's testimony. He acknowledges that U.S. military force will not be sufficient to stop the Taliban .... that civilian and other country participation will be necessary. A very sober assessment .... one in which I personally do not feel comfortable with when I realized that there are many "qualifications" to the goals that he has brought forward.