Petraeus collapses at Senate hearing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The general who oversees the war in Iraq and Afghanistan slumped at the witness table yesterday while testifying at a US Senate hearing.
General David Petraeus, 57, revived after a few seconds and left the room without assistance.
After about 20 minutes he returned to the hearing room but Senator Carl Levin, the panel chairman, decided to postpone the hearing.
A spokesman said the four-star general was thought to be dehydrated and jet-lagged.
General Petraeus had finished telling Senator John McCain that he believed the planned 2011 pullout of US troops from Afghanistan remained on track, and Mr McCain was responding when the room fell silent and aides began crowding around the general.
The general, who heads the US Central Command, briefly put his head on the table, then rose, appearing dazed.
He stood up with his own exertions and was escorted from the room.
General Petraeus returned to the room briefly and told the senators he "was feeling a little bit lightheaded there".
"It wasn't Senator McCain's question," the general told the Senate hearing, being held in a climate of increasing unease at the progress of the war in Afghanistan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments