The interview of General McChrystal in Rolling Stone was not an accident, it’s a perfect example of suicide by interview. The General knew that every criticism would be "on the record." He also knew that the President will have no choice but to relieve the General of his command after their meeting tomorrow. The Military Code of Justice provides that a General does not criticize the Commander-in-Chief publicly -- however, the General criticized Obama in a major way and even picked the perfect vehicle to do it in the most visible of ways.McChrystal’s statements clearly point to the fact that he believes the war cannot be won under the President’s parameters, a tepid escalation to protect the president from his political supports. McChrystal is clearly frustrated by Barack Obama and his administration and finds it necessary to protect his men. He finds himself having to take radical steps to protect his troops in the face of an administration trying to fight a war on a half-assed basis.
This might explain something that I've found puzzling: Stephen Harper's transformation from a person unwilling to "cut and run" from Afghanistan to someone adamantly refusing to extend our combat role past next year. I initially attributed it to the length of the war and the relentless badgering of morons like Bob Rae and Ujjal Dosanjh, ever eager to accuse Conservative politicians of unspecified "war crimes." But these new revelations by General McChrystal and his staff cast an entirely new light on matters.
If they were willing to be so critical of the American political class to -- of all people, a reporter from Rolling Stone, for God's sakes -- then you may be sure that Canadian and other NATO officers knew of their concerns. And when those reports made it up the chain of command back in Ottawa, I think it became clear to Harper that Obama was in no way serious about the war, and was even prepared to throw it (and blame George Bush if he could). Getting more Canadian soldiers killed while Barack Obama dithers and dawdles certainly isn't in his (or their) best interests. So that's why we're coming home.
Comments (6)
Wow, thanks for your post. It makes since, take note how disciplined the PM has been with keeping it hush hush.
Posted by Darrell | June 22, 2010 9:14 PM
Posted on June 22, 2010 21:14
PM Harper is following the directive given to him by the Canadian parliament that ALL military personnel are to leave Afghan in 2011.
The opposition claims parliament is "supreme" and now the Liberals are saying that they want to CHANGE their minds and leave soldiers there.
Until there is a new vote in the House Harper's stance is the government of Canada's stance. Period.
Ditto for Canada using the new maternal health funds to pay for abortions in third world countries. The Liberals had a bill about this and it was defeated...even by some Liberals.
So now they want to incite riots for PM Harper to change the decision made by the "supreme" parliament.
Sheeeesh.
Posted by Lorraine | June 22, 2010 10:31 PM
Posted on June 22, 2010 22:31
You got a good point McCHrystal is no fool, he knew what he was doing. He is pretty well sacrificing his own career to protect his soldiers. He knows the Obama is going to get many of them killed in between playing golf and jamming with Paul McCartney. He declared to the world, that Obama is weak, and not leader material.
Harper made the right decision, and I for one hope he sticks to it. We have been there long enough, it is time for them, if they really want it, to fight for freedom on their own.
Posted by Honey Pot | June 23, 2010 4:03 AM
Posted on June 23, 2010 04:03
General Stanley McChrystal's sneering criticism of the Obama administration's top officials has given the president a stark decision: look across remarks that fringe on insubordination, or terminate his top commander at a critical moment in Afghanistan. I wouldn't want to be in Obama's place right now, even if these two men are meeting now to discuss it through. Most foolish to make public devastating commentaries about your boss like that though.
Posted by Pearl Dantin | June 23, 2010 12:47 PM
Posted on June 23, 2010 12:47
I believe that General McChrystal gave Obama a choice - either you get serious about this war, or continue to be driven by civilian advisors and lose the war. Obama has been true to his lefty roots and went with the Joe Biden crowd. Obama shoud take Joe's cue, retreat and declare victory. The man hasn't had a coherent policy moment yet. There is an eerie likeness to the opposition parties in Canada. They are also all over the map on what to do in Afghanistan. PM Harper is wise to stick to the will of Parliament and bring our troops home next year. Cheers.
Posted by fern st albert | June 23, 2010 4:45 PM
Posted on June 23, 2010 16:45
I agree with HoneyPot's assessment. Why else would he even SPEAK to a Rolling Stone reporter?
Posted by john | June 23, 2010 4:47 PM
Posted on June 23, 2010 16:47