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The fall from grace of retired General David Petraeus, once America's most prominent post-9/11 military leader, has surprised a nation. In the past he's been held in high esteem and has even been mentioned as a future presidential candidate. But after an extramarital affair he had to step down as head of CIA.

"Generals have played a very central role in American politics," says Ron Chernow, a biographer of George Washington. "In Britain they get knighthoods. We reward them with political positions in high office."

The BBC's Daniel Nasaw says that America's cult of the general dates back to its founding years, when they had to defend the country from European invaders and native tribes.

No less than 10 US presidents have served as generals. They are seen as having worked their way up through the ranks, even from modest backgrounds, like Ulysses Grant and President Andrew Jackson. And they are perceived as unblemished by national politics and its backroom deal-making or potential for moral compromise.

The Vietnam War was so unpopular that none of its generals found later political success, but since the 1970s, Americans have managed to separate the individual soldier - and his presumed heroism - from the cause.

Few Americans look back on the Gulf War as a heroic national cause, but General Colin Powell was mentioned in the 1990s as a presidential candidate and later served as secretary of state. And General Norman Schwarzkopf became a figure of international renown.

Americans consider the military their most respected public institution: 78% say they have "a great deal" or "a lot" of confidence in the military, according to the 2011 Gallup poll.

But some commentators believe that it may change. Andrew Bacevich, research fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame and a retired Army colonel, says that with General Petraeus' downfall, the American public can begin to wonder why after 11 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan "we haven't won anything".

Quiz 测验

1. What cost former General David Petraeus his job?

An extramarital affair.

2. Look at the article. What generals are admired in spite of having led the military in unpopular wars?

Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf.

3. Is the following statement true, false or not given? After Petraeus lost popularity Americans might question why their troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan.

True.

4. Look at the article. What words are used to refer to what people think of something no matter if it is real or not?

Perceived and presumed.

5. What are the three expressions used for 'loss of status'?

Fall from grace, to step down, downfall.

Glossary 词汇表

to fall from grace 失去恩宠，倒下了

most prominent 最优秀的

to hold in high esteem 非常受人尊敬

an extramarital affair 婚外恋

to step down 下台

a knighthood 骑士（爵士）身份

high office 高层

a cult 一种关注、崇拜

to work (their) way up 向上升

a modest background 一个普通背景

perceived 被人认为

unblemished 没有任何污点的

backroom deal-making 幕后私密交易

unpopular 不受欢迎的

presumed 所谓的，假定的

international renown 国际知名的

respected 受尊敬的

downfall 垮台