I used to know David Petraeus professionally and personally (a little), and I am no fan of his โ his political ambitions and astuteness always overmatched his martial skill โ but I agree with this, that Americaโs fear of sex was what brought him down and really nothing else, or nothing relevant.
Background: I served with David Petraeus in the 82nd Airborne Division, which is a โrequiredโ command if one wants to advance as an officer in the combat arms, as it is a prestige unit.
He was a full-bird colonel brigade commander, and I was a military photojournalist. I have been on many morning runs and military jumps with the guy.