Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   This ain't no Desperado Date:   8/8/2012 8:29:11 AM (updated 8/8/2012 8:57:42 AM)

MNF-I changed command in mid-2007… from GEN Casey to GEN Petreaus. I was assigned to MNF-I (Baghdad) during this period (though my time was spent working with [at] the Iraqi government).  The good-cop-bad-cop changeover was very well orchestrated between GENs Casey and Petreaus – the Iraqi’s were about to be weaned from carrots and introduced to sticks ("The Surge").

GEN Petreaus’ arrival was preceded by a temporary, “autonomous” intelligence operation of some very VERY bright thinkers and planners - a “think tank.”  The Surge was an instant change in tactics… not a gradual transition.

To the Iraqis, “You were warned!” This they understand (understood).  Nice wasn’t working.

Though I had very little… next to no… face-time with GEN Petreaus (I helped to prepare his Iraqi government status briefings and backup data), I was well “inspired” by his direction (-ives).

I will tell you, he would be a poor fit for Vice-President.  He is a true genius… with an ATTITUDE.  He is demanding of accurate intelligence; and he is decisive… oooh… VERY decisive!  He’ll give you a brief moment to be sure of your instructions… but, you’d better get moving very soon after he tells you to move.

He is small of stature… like a wiry fence ridin’ cowboy.  Size notwithstanding, he burns though milquetoast like a wind driven wildfire through a field of dry wheat. His disdain for quibbling is withering… and that is an understatement.  Politics is 99% quibbling.

Though this country needs a leader like General David Petreaus… it can’t handle him.  He probably chuckles every time he hears the VP rumor.