The Buckingham

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David Petraeus resigned as director of the Central Intelligence Agency on Nov. 9

Petraeus cited infidelity as his reasoning for resigning.

“After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgement by engaging in an extramarital affair.  Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours.  This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation,” the general, 60, said in a message to staff.

Extramarital affairs are an issue of national security for the C.I.A. since it can open an official in a highly sensitive post to blackmail.

Petraeus became director of the agency in 2011, following 37 years in the Army.  Due to President Obama’s re-election on Nov. 6, he was expected to remain in his position.

“Going forward, my thoughts and prayers are with Dave and [wife] Holly Petraeus, who has done so much to help military families through her own work.  I wish them the very best at this difficult time,” the President said in a statement.