The Inquiry of General Petraeus

As the title of the article “Candidates to Press Petraeus on Iraq War” from the NY Times indicates, the presidential candidates will have the opportunity to question General Petraeus about progress in Iraq. The article mentions Clinton and Obama together, since they basically have the same views on the Iraq War, and compares their views to that of McCain and the Republicans. It also predicts the sorts of questions the three candidates will ask Petraeus as well as the answers that the general will provide. These predictions are the main focus of the article and alternate between possible questions asked by Clinton, Obama, and McCain as well as possible answers given by Petraeus.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Candidates-Iraq.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=iraq%20war&st=nyt&oref=slogin

The primary purpose of the article from CNN can be gathered from its title: “Sources: Bush to address nation on Iraq, but not in prime time.” This article mentions General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker will be questioned by Congress about the Iraqi War. It also briefly states how the Democrats and the Republicans feel about the war and the problems that have arisen in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The article’s intention, however, is not to steer the public in the wrong direction as to what President Bush might say in Thursday’s address. As a result, the reporter offers quotes instead of his own predictions and educated guesses.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Candidates-Iraq.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=iraq%20war&st=nyt&oref=slogin

The Iraqi War and Tuesday’s inquiry of General Petraeus by Congress are the main points that connect these to articles. The article from the NY Times seems to be more directed toward Democrats. It mentions an “increase in fighting in Iraq's southern region and a deeply disapproving public.” These examples obviously hurt the Republicans and are just a few reasons of why people want the troops to come home quickly. CNN’s article, on the other hand, mentions there is unfinished business in Iraq and neighboring countries that must be dealt with to keep our nation safe. Additionally, the NY Times article is more or less a prediction of what will happen but, more precisely, what will be said in the future. This article is a preview of an important event to occur in the coming days. The article from CNN, despite also mentioning future events, has a sense of uncertainty as to what Bush will say in his address and does not offer predictions about his speech. Furthermore, this article is focused on current situations and offers reasons why troops should continue to stay in the Middle East. These points and ideas are what separate these articles and their target audiences.