The French View of the Petraeus Sex Scandal

The French View of the Petraeus Sex Scandal

French public reaction to American CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus' suicide-bombing of his own career demonstrates a lack of understanding of the perceived offense in favor of a blind defense of libertinism. It was learned last week that Petraeus had an extramarital affair with his biographer, reserve Army officer Paula Broadwell (who, like Petraeus, is married with children).

Let's go back in time for some context.

The French never understood why President Bill Clinton was impeached for the Monica Lewinsky scandal following disapproval by those "puritanical Americans." Sure, he may have lied about the dalliance under oath, but he...