U.S. Gen. Petraeus is being treated for prostrate cancer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D. C. since he was diagnosed with the disease in February 2009. It is being reported that his treatment is ’successful’.
General David Petraeus
General David Patraeus is the Commander, U.S. Central Command. He oversees the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is credited with the ’surge’ in Iraq that resulted in quieting the conflict in that country and getting the violence under control.
He was diagnosed with early-stage prostrate cancer in February 2009 and at this point, has undergone two months of radiation treatment. At the time of his diagnosis, he and his family made the decision that this was a ‘personal matter’ and his diagnosis was not made public until this week. His spokesman, Colonel Erik Gunhus, has stated that the cancer and his treatment do not interfere with his performance of his duties. Barack Obama and top members of his administration were advised of the diagnosis. The Pentagon reports that his treatment has been successful.
Petraeus, 56-years-old, has not been as visible a presence in recent months as he has been in the past. Many have interpreted that as him preparing for a run for the presidency in 2012. However, as it turns out, it was apparently because of his treatment for cancer. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still speculation that he will make a run for the presidency in 2012.
He has continued to perform his duties throughout his treatment. He has made trips to the Middle East, his area of responsibility, and has met with General Stanley McChrystal regarding his appraisal of the situation in Afghanistan. He has been fully supportive of McChrystal’s urgent appeal to Obama for more troops in Afghanistan in an attempt to salvage that war effort that Obama himself deemed necessary to win while he was campaigning for the presidency.
Petraeus had frequent video conferences with President George W. Bush during his administration. Unfortunately, the Obama administration has not been receptive to the views of our military leaders and Petraeus has not had his ear thus far during his administration.