In the wake of a pending article in Rolling Stone magazine where Gen. Stanley McChrystal criticized President Barack Obama’s handling of the war in Afghanistan, Obama has accused the General of “poor judgment,” in his remarks to freelance writer Michael Hastings.
Although Gen. McChrystal has apologized for the remarks, he has not recanted his criticism of the President. Late breaking reports indicate that the General has resigned.
The article, titled “The Runaway General,” is expected to be published later in the week. It includes many unflattering statements by McChrystal and his staff about the President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, special envoy Richard Holbrooke, ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, by whom the general said he felt “betrayed”. McChrystal also said about the ambassador: "Here's one that covers his flank for the history books. Now, if we fail, they can say 'I told you so.'"
The General characterized his initial meeting with the president, saying he "was pretty disappointed" with Obama’s state of preparedness and that the president seemed "uncomfortable and intimidated" at the meeting. McChrystal portrayed National Security Adviser, retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones as being a “clown.” The General’s aides mocked Vice President Joe Biden’s last name, noting that it was similar to the phrase “Bite me.”
Gen. Jim Jones, clowning around
Also reported, was a statement allegedly made by McChrystal, describing the “real enemy” being “The wimps in the White House."
President Obama is said to be "furious" about the General’s remarks, and has ordered McChrystal to personally attend the monthly White House meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan, in lieu of the usual secure video teleconference.
Ahmad Wali Karzai, Afghan President Karzai's half brother, expressed his support for McChrystal, stating, “The (Afghan) people trust him,” describing McChrystal’s relationship with the Afghans as “good.” Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi likewise made his support for the General.
President Obama has been criticized before for his handling of the war in Afghanistan, but this is the first time that such a denunciation has been made publicly by a high ranking member of the military. Mr. Obama is in a tough position. If he rejects the General's resignation, he risks being seen as weak, if he accepts it, he risks seeing Gen. McChrystal in November - as a Republican candidate for the presidency. Given the present popularity of the two men in the eye of the public, such a contest would not go well for the President.
© 2010 Craig Portwood
Comments
Wouldn't it be wonderful, if they have their meeting, and the Gen. tells it like it is, to his face. Nothing to lose, nothing to protect, just maybe the truth? Here's where it's at "chief". The reality and people, our people, dying, hearing "support our troops" that the govt playing golf and singing with the beatles has put them into position to be killed. Killed. So if the truth hurts someone's "feelings" is that really a problem? We have a real problem in this country. The truth is subrogated to agenda and posturing. As Pilot said, "what is truth?" This General I hope tells our "chief" where the bear took a dump in the woods, where the rubber meets the road, where it's at.
He's better than that. The Gen. will probably agree to publicly apologize and recant what he said, FOR THE TROOPS SAKE, but it will be BS nonetheless. He already said what he mean, and probably left volumes unsaid.
This was a war would should not be in. A war before Obama, where many lost lives. A war about oil built on a untruth. There was a time when you did not agree with the person in charge you followed orders. If we (Americans) stuck together and behind (America) we could advance further and faster. Keep your mouth closed and do your job the job we (the American people) are paying you to do. Many presidents have made decisions many did not agree with but we did not care on like we are today. The world is watching us make fools of ourselves. While we are holding most of our time pointing fingers and talking to much the enemy is plotting against us. America divided is easy to take down.
It's quite simple really; The General is wrong, The President is right,...!
Have a rolling stone reporter follow the president around for a few months and let's hear what barrack says about other people of importance. I will be wiling to bet that it not always pleasantries that comes out of his mouth.
Don't forget it were the Democrats who voted AGAINST boosting funding for the War, meaning less armor for our military vehicles and increased casualties. We need more people like the Gen. McChrystal to tell it as it is and reveal Obama for who he truly is, someone who doesn't have a clue what he is doing and would rather waste trillions on a socialist method for boosting the economy rather than using a fraction of that to give our military the resources it needs to stay safe and get the job done. The guy has no spine, you can see that just by looking and his pencil neck. We need stronger people like Gen. McChrystal to get the job done!
Obama has shot himself in the foot with this. Such a wound is rarely fatal, but when you have your foot in your mouth as often as Obama does...
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