In September, Gen Dannatt said he was becoming increasingly concerned about "the growing gulf between the Army and the nation".

BBC: Gen Dannatt said the military covenant was "out of kilter"

Gen Abbas said he could not say which parts of the military would be worst hit until US officials told him what sections of aid were being cut.

BBC: Pakistan: US aid cut will not harm fight against terror

Once the FBI had uncovered the evidence for his affair and told him, it probably never occurred for a moment to Gen Petraeus that he might be able to hold on to his job.

BBC: General David Petraeus: A huge loss for US