Posted by Tina
Petraeus on the Move, by Peter Wehner
Yesterday General David Petraeus handed over the flag of his command, known as the Multi-National Force in Iraq, to General Raymond Odierno. The ceremony, held at the U.S. military headquarters at Camp Victory on the western outskirts of Baghdad, was moving and memorable. Graced by the presence of Secretary of
Defense Robert Gates, it marked the completion of one of the most remarkable military tenures in American history. As Secretary Gates said, “He’s played a historic role . . . General Petraeus is clearly the hero of the hour.” *** In Secretary Gates’s words, under the leadership of Petraeus: “Slowly, but inexorably, the tide began to turn. Our enemies took a fearsome beating they will not soon forget. Fortified by our own people and renewed commitment, the soldiers of Iraq found new courage and confidence. And the people of Iraq, resilient and emboldened, rose up to take back their country.” *** In Petraeus’s words, Iraq is a “dramatically changed country” from what it was early last year. “There is certainly a degree of hope that was not present 19 months ago,” he says. Petraeus once described Iraq as “hard but not hopeless.” Today he says Iraq is “hard but hopeful.”
Character, dignity, a sense of duty and honor, and brilliant strategic interpretation were among the tools this man used to create a miracle. With the aid of our troops, who executed his plan with skill and a commitment, a real opportunity for dignity and stability was restored to the Iraqi people. I solute him and would like to thank both him and our troops. I hope they act as inspiration to others in positions of leadership in our country…God knows we could use it right now.