This is in the form of a question, as I have no strong opinion about, or deep knowledge of Petraeus. Do I remember correctly that the General got lots of props and adulation for his strategy in Iraq, prior to his taking over the whole fiasco, of involving the locals, getting the troops on a closer relationship level with Iraqis, and gaining unusual levels of support from the general population in his sector (whatever it was)? It was this single thing that had me thinking, “hey, this guy is all right and isn’t just doing the neo-con thing up and down the line.” That, and what I read about his academic prowess.