Wednesday, June 23, 2010

David Petraeus Replaces McChrystal

Today the fate of General Stanley McChrystal hung in the balance. Whether it was a foregone conclusion or one based on today’s behind-closed-doors conversation is irrelevant. What happened? Did McChrystal let his guard down around the press representative who cajoled and stroked the officer’s ego on one hand while waiting for an opportunity to make that big headline? Remember…this was a ROLLING STONE writer. So much for …keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Could it be that this was Stan’s own exit strategy since he could not work within the confines…and under the micromanagement…of the Commander-in-Chief? Well, what’s done is done; he is gone. Maybe there should be an additional course added to the WAR COLLEGE curriculum entitled THE PRESS: AMERICA’S BIPOLAR DOUBLE AGENT. Fortunately, David Petraeus will replace McChrystal as the top Afghan Commander. BUT, should we throw the baby out with the bathwater? The replaced general still has clout…AKA influence…with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. It might serve our President well to keep him on in an advisor/negotiator position. In closing, I will answer the question readers may wonder. Do I think President Obanma did the right thing in accepting General McChrystal’s resignation? Answer: Absolutely.

Note: A good decision is not always a popular one; however, it is always the right one.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it.
Zanne Booker 6-23-10