Self-deception is clearly in play here. Another congressman quoted from an article Petraeus wrote 3 years ago -- virtually word-for-word the same as his reporting today. And, if he were to be still in charge, the same as he'll be saying in 2010.

Our army cannot win a Civil War with three sides plus the fourth side created by this war: Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Our ambassadors cannot create acceptance of a federal government. Were we to listen to Bush and stay the course, we COULD someday succeed in installing a new Saddam -- a strongman who could unite Iraq through force and fear. But, beyond that, there is no solution we can inspire or create.

The war was, from the start, the largest mistake ever made by the U.S. that is taking a huge toll on our credibility, our safety, our treasury and our army -- not to mention the larger yet toll paid and yet to be paid by the Iraqis for our having elected and supported a disaster of a President.

Gen. Petraeus has to feel totally ashamed and disgusted. All that work and life to wind up as an empty shill for Bush... a con man.

Sad day for the Military when this is what is at the top. He feels he has to lie to his troops, us and himself to keep his job? So much for integrity.

He knows the invasion and occupation is evil and wrong. He knows it is not winable. He cannot plead ignorance. He just sold out his very being.

Very well said Rep Lantos.

Do not feel sorry for Petraeus - he knows exactly what he is doing and has to live with the consequences of it. If he were a better or braver man he would not be where he is now. He would be standing up and saying "No!" He'll probably have a different tale to tell in his memoirs someday, though, I'm sure.

I bet the General would rather be in a foxhole in Iraq right about now.

I feel for the poor Bastard, but Lantos is right.

The administration is using him and Crocker.

I wouldn't be so hostile if I actual believed that there WAS a plan in Iraq.

But it seems to me to be continual "bumper-pool."

Act here, re-act there, etc, etc,etc....on and on...with the death toll rising and the budget being squandered.

The American public isn't buying it either.

Well said, Rep. Lantos.

I just heard a remark on NPR that made me say "Whoa!" I believe it was from ex-Army Col. and current professor Andrew Bacevich. I will paraphrase:

---Gen. Petraeus has picked up the mantel from Gen. Colin Powell. Gen. Powell made the case to invade Iraq using dodgy information. Gen. Petraeus is making the case to remain in Iraq using equally dodgy information.---

I don't buy it, either.