Exclusive Interview with CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus : “I see Iran as very small to tackle”

CIA Director David Petraeus

 

Jakarta, January 10, 2012 (KATAKAMI.COM)  —  General David Howell Petraeus is the current Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), sworn in on September 6, 2011.

Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus was a four-star general serving over 37 years in the United States Army.

On June 30, 2011, Petraeus was unanimously confirmed as the next Director of the CIA by the US Senate 94-0.

Petraeus relinquished command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on July 18, and retired from the U.S. Army on August 31.

At this coming 24th of January, General David Howell Petraeus will launch his biography titled “All in, The Education of General David Petraeus”.

Recently, Chief in Editor of KATAKAMI.COM Mega Simarmata has had an opportunity to interview him.

This is the EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with CIA Director, General David Petraeus :

 

General David Howell Petraeus

 

 

 

KATAKAMI (K) :   Your biography is coming and will be published on 24th of this month. What is the general background of this publication?

 

David Howell Petraeus (DHP) :  Its all about my life in the army.

 

(K) :    One of controversial issues before the publication is your resignation as the commander of the US troops in Afghanistan. What did you have in mind whenever your heard Mr. President Obama’s plan to withdraw the US troops from Afghanistan? Is that true that you had have considered to resign from your post?

 

(DHP) :  I am thinking of that but not yet confirmed.

 

(K)  :  After you leaved the post have you ever felt that you miss Afghanistan and your duty there?

 

(DHP)  :   Yes I do.

 

(K)  :  What is the most memorable thing from your Afghanistan duty?

 

(DHP)  :   Sucide Boombing.

 

(K) :   Having a talk about Afghanistan, what is the US’ current focus in Afghanistan after the death of Osama bin Laden?

 

(DHP) :   To rebuild the country.

 

(K) :   After the death of OBL, seems like the US and Pakistan relationship is in trouble. Is that true? How do you understand this situation?

 

(DHP) :  Yes its true.

 

General David Howell Petraeus


(K)  :   In your position as the CIA Director, what do you think of Indonesia’s contribution to the war on terror?

 

(DHP)  :   I appreciate the Indonesia.

 

(K) :  Guantanamo is under the CIA jurisdiction and authorization. There is Indonesia’s Hambali in Guantanamo. Is there any conversation between the US and Indonesia authority about him presence in Guantanamo? So that Indonesia authority could interrogate him.

 

(DHP)  :   No.

 

(K) :   Indonesia is one of the biggest Muslim countries in the world. How is the CIA looking at its current development?

 

(DHP) :   That has nothing to do with the CIA.

 

(K) :  We are moving to another topic. Today seems like the US and Israel are having good understanding to launch an attack to Iran. Regarding to Iran’s nuclear issue, do you see any other way other than military approach?

 

(DHP)  :   No.

 

(K)  :  What do you think regarding to the tension between Iran vis a vis the US and Israel?

(DHP) :   I see Iran as very small to tackle.

 

(K) :  Regarding to North Korea’s nuclear issue, what do you think will be the next step after the death of Kim Jong Il. How is the best way to end up the issue?

 

(DHP) :  If they are ready to negotiate with the US.

 

(K)  :  With your wide range experiences in military business please advise me how are you looking at Indonesia and the US military relationship?

 

(DHP) :   Close.

 

(K) :  After the US troops withdrew from Iraq following President Obama decision, how do you see the future of Iraq from the security aspect without the US troops in Iraq?

 

(DHP) :  Not possible.

 

(K) :  Your son, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Petraeus is now on duty in Afghanistan. Could you tell me as a father, don’t you feel worry about his safety in Afghanistan ?

 

(DHP) :  I definitely do.

 

(K)  :  In your today’s routine, do you still have time to enjoy your private hobby?

 

(DHP) :   Yes I do.

 

(K) :  My last question is, what can you tell our readers about the best lesson you have after serving your country for 37 years and been to any honorable and admirable positions.

 

(DHP) :    I enjoy the US Army.

 

(K) : Thank you very much, David.

 


MS