Gen. Petraeus Reveals Obama Afghan Withdrawal Deadline is a Purely Arbitrary Political Decision – Video

Here is video of Gen. David Petraeus at his confirmation hearing today to be the U.S. Commander in Afghanistan essentially confirming that the “timeline” set by President Obama to begin withdrawal of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan is purely an arbitrary political decision.

Obviously Petraeus did not say those words, but GOP Sen. John McCain gave him the avenue to confirm the truth. McCain asked Petraeus point blank if either he, or any other military official ever advised Obama in favor of the setting of a timeline:

McCain: “General, at any time during the deliberations that the military shared with the President when he went through the decision-making process, was there a recommendation from you or anyone in the military that we set a date of July 2011?”

Petraeus: “Uh, there was not.”

McCain: “There was not – by any military person that you know of?”

Petraeus: “Not that I’m aware of.”

Then why in the world would a Commander-in-Chief set such a deadline? Obama gave hope and encouragement to our enemy the moment he set and publicized a timetable. That only makes the job tougher for our brave men and women in uniform.