What we learned from the Petreaus Hearings today

**Farnan** · May 22, 2008, 06:40 PM

For those who do not know General Petreaus's hearing to be confirmed as the Commander-in-Chief of Central Command, which controls US military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa were today. These briefings today also gave insight into the future of US strategy into Iraq.

So what did we learn?

Code Pink is full of idiots - By interrupting these briefings not only do they interfere with democracy, but they make anti-war protesters look bad.

We are going to reduce troops in Iraq and increase troops in Afghanistan - General Petreaus today stated there will likely be a drawdown in Iraq by September and he plans to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan if confirmed for the role of CiC of CENTCOM by the Senate (a likely event due to his bipartisan support). This addresses two of the criticisms leveled at the current war efforts and hopefully a good sign. As he will likely serve this position under either Obama or McCain, and both have pledged to listen to his recommendations, this is an important piece of information and a likelyhood of what will happen in the future.

General Petreaus considers Syrian nuclear program troubling - He also states a hope that the peace talks work.

Petreaus considers support for Pakistani Counter-terrorism programs paramount - Another issue that is considered of extreme importance, especially with regards to Afghanistan. Many experts consider removing the ability of the Taliban to retreat into Pakistan vital to success in the war against Afghanistan.

Finally, General Petreaus urges diplomatically dealing with Iran, but see my other thread on that.

**RZZZA** · May 22, 2008, 06:45 PM

interesting stuff, i see nothing in the media about this.

so, as commander in chief of CENTCOM, isn't petreaus the number two military leader in our country right now, second only symbolically to the president?

**Farnan** · May 22, 2008, 06:47 PM

No, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will be the highest ranking military person, however as CiC of CENTCOM he would report directly to the President and receive direction from him directly.

**RZZZA** · May 22, 2008, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Farnan

No, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will be the highest ranking military person, however as CiC of CENTCOM he would report directly to the President and receive direction from him directly.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) is by law the highest ranking military officer overall in the United States Armed Forces [1], and the principal military adviser to the President of the United States. The Chairman outranks all respective heads of each service branch but does not have command authority over them or their service branches

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may transmit communications to the Commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands from the President and Secretary of Defense, but does not exercise military command over any combatant forces.

As centcom supreme commander, General-Politician David Petraeus would seem to have more practical power at his disposal than the chairman of joint chiefs of staff.

or am i misinterpreting?

**Farnan** · May 22, 2008, 06:57 PM

Yes, pretty much...

You know WWII?

Petreaus will by like Eisenhower or MacArthur, while the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was more like Marshall. The Chairman coordinates actions between the different combatant commands (like transporting troops there and equipment) and advises the President, while the Combatant Commander, like Petreaus conducts the operations.

**zznɟ ǝɥʇ** · May 22, 2008, 06:57 PM

I truly despise Code Pink.

**Kamos** · May 22, 2008, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by zznɟ ǝɥʇ

I truly despise Code Pink.

Who doesn't aside from themselves? Anyways Petreaus clearly seems to know what he's doing he's actually got plans and knows how to make them sound appealing.

**The King Of Peasants** · May 22, 2008, 08:30 PM

Gen. Petreaus has done a great job commanding and a great job selling the iraq war!

**RZZZA** · May 22, 2008, 07:01 PM

why? they got a little bit rowdy and were escorted out, no big deal.

**zznɟ ǝɥʇ** · May 22, 2008, 07:03 PM

I'll open a thread in a bit, its their actions as a whole and how they don't really "get" the American system of government.

**Farnan** · May 22, 2008, 07:07 PM

In opening the hearing, Levin heaped praise upon both Petraeus and Odierno, saying their confirmations to CENTCOM would bring “unprecedented continuity of senior military leadership,” and that the country owes both men a debt of gratitude.

From the Code Pink link.

This is extremely, extremely interesting, if people don't know, but Senator Levin is one of the big critics of the war in Iraq and was one of Petreaus's biggest opponents in the last hearing.