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RFE/RL Talks With U.S. General David Petraeus

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May 24, 2009

The commander of U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, talks in an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with RFE/RL on May 24 about Guantanamo and "enhanced interrogation techniques," a looming deadline in Iraq, and cutting off and combating militant Islamist extremists. He also fields questions from RFE/RL Central Newsroom Director Jay Tolson about successes and setbacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the region, and highlights the need for international forces to keep Afghan civilian casualties "to an absolute minimum." (See also summary and full transcript.)

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by: Ray F. from: Lawrence, KS

May 26, 2009 17:53

Great interview. General P. is very intelligent and eloquent (though his uniform is beginning to resemble that of Brezhnev's), but I still can't figure out the overall American strategy in either Iraq or Afghanistan. A holding pattern until we can declare some sort of victory? Guaranteed access to fossil-fuel reserves? Using the military to help these two countries build their states (or winning hearts and minds) does not sound like something our military is trained to do. Moreover, at what point does it become evident that this country can no longer afford to wage these splendid little wars? I can imagine a Soviet general talking about the progress his forces were making in 1984 or so. I hope that RFE/RL can find the resources/wherewithal to interview key members from the other side(s) of these conflicts.

by: Trooper506 from: Khost Province

May 29, 2009 14:20

Thats great General, but can we get more UAV's, small ones that can be used at platoon level? A better carbine [6.8mm] with a little more punch? Thanx, by the way, these people hate us. That will NEVER change.