flexibility with regard to the rules of engagement."

"The General has to instruct his JAGs in the mantra 'Attack, attack, attack," says the E-8.  "What they're doing right now is inventing legal hurdles.  That has to stop."

A source close to Petraeus says that both Lyons's and the Master Sergeant's points will be well-taken.  Petraeus's JAGs, this source told me, "have always been guys who understand the need to justify 'yes.'"

"The other big question," says Lyons, "is whether the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon can summon enough political will to allow Petraeus to pursue a proactive, preemptive strategy in combating radical Islamic fundamentalism.  That's the bottom line."  Lyons pauses, then chuckles.  "Frankly, if the administration really wants to show that intention, they should send Jim Mattis to help Petraeus kick some serious ass."