The man who stayed

Petraeus emphasizes American advantages in this proxy counterinsurgency campaign, particularly the pride and effectiveness of the Pakistani military. But one of the largest advantages may be Petraeus himself. Pakistanis are deeply suspicious of American staying power in a tough fight. They tend to see our country through the prism of Somalia — and a premature Iraqi retreat would have confirmed that image beyond question.

Petraeus may be uniquely capable of convincing our friends in the region of America’s long-term commitment, precisely because he didn’t leave Iraq to its fate — because he is the man who stayed.