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