Perspective: Petraeus -- Serving in Iraq is like being a cowboy on a cattle drive

Serving in Iraq is like being a cowboy on a cattle drive, says Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, former head of the Multinational Security Transition Command in Iraq. Momentum is building, but it's hard keeping everything going in the right direction.

During a recent trip to Tampa, he expressed enthusiasm about the political and military progress being made in Iraq, but he wants everyone to know the challenge is difficult.

"The metaphor for this effort is the cattle drive," he told Tribune editorial writer Jim Beamguard. "We're in a sense trying to build the herd, strengthen the trail bosses, repel the attacks of the bad guys out on the flank of the herd.

"The bad guys are sometimes inside the herd. We have to deal with the rugged terrain, the occasional explosions and lightning. The truth is, it's more of a stampede."

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