General Petraeus says Senate resolutions would embolden enemy
The Washington Times reports today that the new commander in Iraq, Lt. General David Petraeus, testified that Senate resolutions condemning the President’s new plan in Iraq would embolden the terrorists.
I have not seen the General’s comments reported elsewhere. Biased media? What biased media? Below are excerpts from the story.
Mr. McCain, who supports a larger troop increase, asked what the results would be if senators “tell those troops that we support you, but we are convinced that you cannot accomplish your mission. … What effect does that have on the morale?”
“Well, it would not be a beneficial effect, sir,” Gen. Petraeus replied during a confirmation hearing to four-star rank before the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Obviously, a commander would like to go forward with as much flexibility as he can achieve.”
Mr. Lieberman tried to pull Gen. Petraeus further into the upcoming Senate debate. He asked what effect an anti-surge Senate resolution would have on the enemy. After praising the U.S. system of open political debate, the general added, “having said that, a commander in such an endeavor would obviously like the enemy to feel that there’s no hope.”
“A Senate-passed resolution of disapproval for this new strategy in Iraq would give the enemy some encouragement,” Mr. Lieberman said, to which Gen. Petraeus answered, “That’s correct, sir.” Â
Â