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Politics : Foreign Policy Discussion Thread -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Hawkmoon who wrote (9271)	10/5/2009 1:30:28 PM
From: Hawkmoon	2 Recommendations Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 15993

Btw, the reason I posted this article about McChrystal is because I've had the pleasure of meeting the man, and the people I've previously worked with all rave about his integrity, leadership, and no BS common sense. He does have a bit of "taint" with regard to the Tillman affair, but apparently he suspected that Tillman had been killed by friendly fire, but recommended his decoration based upon the information being sent up to him from subordinates. I can tell you that his strategy was instrumental to refocusing our efforts in Iraq, including the "Anbar Awakening" where Sunni tribal chiefs were encouraged to oppose Al Qaida. Bottom line, the guy understands counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. And the people who work for him understand what is required in Afghanistan. When I was in Iraq, we all understood that the only way we could stabilize the situation was to shut down the rat lines into Iraq, and build up the domestic capability/credibility of the indigenous forces. But the secure the borders in Iraq takes more manpower (boots on the ground) that can take on the burden while we get the Afghan military and police to a level where they are motivated and capable of taking on the task for themselves. The fact that Obama has only met with him once since appointing him in June is a serious indictment that this administration is delaying the necessary decision about what they want to accomplish there. Obama needs to make a decision whether to "fish or cut bait" in Afghanistan, and then be prepared to bear the responsibility for any consequences. Half measures are not what are required. The killing of 8 Americans is indicative that we're lacking the necessary manpower, as well as QRF (Quick Response Force) capabilities, to include helicopter airlift support. I agree that McChrystal's words bordered on influencing the political process, but we also need our generals to be able to speak their minds when the lives of American soldiers are at stake. Hawk

To: Hawkmoon who wrote (9271)	10/5/2009 1:48:57 PM
From: Peter Dierks	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 15993

Great people sometime dive on the sword to protect the mission. The military has a higher percentage of such noble persons than the population at large. Politicians rarely exhibit such character. One must wonder how General Stanley McChrystal is leading. Is it by example? Is it by self sacrifice? Obviously he believes what he said.

To: Hawkmoon who wrote (9271)	10/5/2009 10:26:50 PM
From: jlallen	3 Recommendations Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 15993

Obama selected McChrystal. To criticize YOUR general after picking him to run the war for the offense of honestly speaking his mind shows you what a lowlife Obama is, IMHO. You mean to tell me Obama did not know about the speech and it had not been cleared? Again, that indicates a failure of leadership on Obama's part....the man simply has not a clue and is obviously WAY over his head.... God help us and especially, God help our men and women in harm's way!