General Petraeus Resigns as CIA Chief: Cites Extra-Marital Affair

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Ken O'Brien

Andrea Mitchell of NBC News reports that General David Petraeus today resignedas director of the CIA after admitting an extra-marital affair.
The former general had been one of the most respectedfigures in the military and intelligence establishment, but has stepped down todeal with the 'personal and professional issues' surrounding his relationshipwith a woman who is not his wife.
He had been sworn in as head of the CIA in September 2011.

From Andrea Mitchell and Robert Windrem at NBC News:
Multiple sources tell NBC News that Mike Morrell, the deputyCIA director and a longtime CIA officer, would likely be offered the job asacting director but with the understanding that he may be elevated to the jobpermanently at some point.
That's how George Tenet got the job, first as deputydirector in July 1995, then acting director following the resignation of JohnDeutch in December 1996 and finally as director in July 1997, staying on in theBush Administration.
Morrell is a longtime CIA analyst and was an eyewitness totwo of the most momentous events in recent U.S. history. He was traveling withPresident George W. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001, as the president's briefer, and wasin the Situation Room on May 1, 2011, as deputy CIA Director, when Navy SEALskilled Osama bin Laden.
Here is Petraeus' resignation letter:
HEADQUARTERS Central Intelligence Agency9 November 2012

General David Petraeus

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked thePresident to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position asD/CIA.  After being married for over 37years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramaritalaffair.  Such behavior is unacceptable, bothas a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours.  This afternoon, the President graciouslyaccepted my resignation.
As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been thegreatest of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation'sSilent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard.  Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a hostof critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful toyou for that.
Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift isthe opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.  I will always treasure my opportunity to havedone that with you and I will always regret the circumstances that brought thatwork with you to an end.
Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, andbest wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead forour country and our Agency.
With admiration and appreciation,David H. Petraeus

UPDATE:

PaulaBroadwell, David Petraeus Biographer, Reportedly Woman Involved In CIADirector's Affair
TheDaily Show Interview With David Petraeus' Biographer Is Extremely Awkward InHindsight