ISW Hosts General David H. Petraeus

In a candid conversation, General Petraeus discussed the greatest challenges in his area of responsibility (AOR) as CENTCOM commander

Washington, D.C. - The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) was honored to host General David H. Petraeus today for a conversation with Dr. Kimberly Kagan entitled, CENTCOM in 2010: Views from General David H. Petraeus. General Petraeus discussed his competing regional priorities at U.S. Central Command and offered a strategic overview of his AOR, explaining the dynamic effect it has on American national security.

He also spoke enthusiastically about the influence of ISW's work in military affairs. "ISW&rsquo's independent analysis is absolutely critical to the decisions made by Commanders,"General Petraeus told the audience of 100 defense journalists, military leaders and policy makers.

"ISW was honored to host such a distinguished commander and soldier. General Petraeus' frank discussion amplified the policy challenges facing the United States in the Middle East, the opportunities for a strategic partnership in Iraq, the critical mission in Afghanistan and the threat we face from Iran,"said ISW President Kimberly Kagan.

The event was part of ISW's Field Reports, a military speaker series which hosts commanders returning from Iraq or Afghanistan in a series that offers an unvarnished view of the wars, fresh from the field. Past guests include: Major Generals Michael Jones, Mark Hertling, and Robert Caslen; Brigadier General Joseph Anderson; and Colonels David Sutherland, Stephen Twitty, Ricky Gibbs, H.R. McMaster, Charles Flynn, Christopher Kolenda, and William Hickman.

Shortly, a transcript and video of the event will be available at www.UnderstandingWar.org

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy research organization. ISW advances an informed understanding of military affairs through reliable research, trusted analysis, and innovative education. We are committed to improving the nation’s ability to execute military operations and respond to emerging threats in order to achieve U.S. strategic objectives. www.UnderstandingWar.org

merging threats in order to achieve U.S. strategic objectives. www.UnderstandingWar.org