What did Petraeus say? Petraeus who?

This all might seem rather obscure in the scheme of things, but what goes on in the US bunkers is pretty relevant to the future of Israel.
Commentators are buzzing because General David Petraues, the US Chief of Staff, offered remarks about Israel as a ‘challenge’ to American interests in recent testimony to the US Senate on March 17 2010.
The remarks, contained as a ‘Posture’ of the US military central command in a document for the Senate Armed forces Commitee were as follows:
” * Insufficient progress toward a comprehensive Middle East peace.
The enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the AOR [area of responsibility]. Israeli-Palestinian tensions often flare into violence and large-scale armed confrontations. The conflict foments anti-American sentiment, due to a perception of U.S. favoritism for Israel. Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of U.S. partnerships with governments and peoples in the AOR and weakens the legitimacy of moderate regimes in the Arab world. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda and other militant groups exploit that anger to mobilize support. The conflict also gives Iran influence in the Arab world through its clients, Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas.”
The full text can be downloaded.
The relevance of this written policy briefing, as distinct from his oral testimony to the Senate has been disputed, but the fact remains that this is a viewpoint coming out of the military high command-the guys who inform the politicians.
Given that in the increasing tradition of ancient Rome, Petraeus the general is likely to nominate for the presidency as the next Republican candidate, this is another indicator, despite all the bravado coming out of Jerusalem or elswhere, that the ‘traditional friendship’ is going through a seachange and current Israel politics are reaching a dead end.
Haaretz at least recognized the problem, and reported his remarks: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1157108.html