On The Carpet

**** This topic was opened on the BRO Main board earlier today. At this time Afghan Commander Stanley McChrystal is headed for the White House to explain (possibly) some remarks he and some aides made over a short period of time that were finally published in a Rolling Stone article that at First Glance are critical of the Current Administration.

***** How this all came about is still not clear - BUT it is possibly an oversight by some or lack of judgement. The more intriguing question is whether Obama chooses to placate his core base by Relieving the General (as much of the MSM seems to advocate) or minimize the damage in hopes of a better outcome in Afghanistan.

******* Obama might be over his head in considering any realistic Military Strategy , but is acutely aware of what sells domestically AND that he will never be called on a Heavy Mistake in some Quarters. Regardless of the long term future in fighting AQ & the Taliban Barry might just think looking Tough at a Given moment is the wisest course. This applies even if it frees up even Greater animosity among the existing or retired Military. Kindly remember - many who idolize the current President are not friendly to anything concerning the US Military and have had zero connection to it throughout their lives. This IS the segment Obama stems from.

***** The ONLY reason We are still in either Iraq or afghanistan under this Administration is because in this instant info techno World a real bad scene from anywhere on Earth makes the rounds real fast - and images of AQ or Taliban success over those who sided with the West - like Mass Hangings, Beheadings etc. will undermine Obama by 2012 - even in this culture where little gets remembered very long.


***** We Shall see.

I'm betting McChrystal will offer his resignation, stealing some thunder from from Obama, who will be denied the opportunity to fire him.

I agree with Detonate, I don't think the general is not going to give the satisfaction to Obama of firing him. The General don't agree with those turkeys running the country.... This insident remain me of Gen MacArthur and Pres Truman.

***** One Big difference between Then and now is that MacArthur was of massive stature who COULD upstage a President . Also MacArthur sent a formal letter to the GOP House leader sidestepping the White House. Then JCS Chair Omar Bradley recommended to Truman that "He Had to Go".

***** This appears to be a sporadic compilation of assorted comments accumulated over a month by a rather less than Friendly Journalistic type. In short he WANTED to return to file a copy filled with controversy.

***** This could be a Win situation for Barry Obama, however it is filled with risk. One thing for sure a the coverage & footage of the unfolding events will paint Barry in a very favorable, understanding, polite setting filled with compassion and understanding.

****** Obama wants out of Afghanistan & Iraq for reasons separate from the desires of many other Americans. He intends to try fully by 2013.

***** It's Official. After a meeting of about 40 Minutes. McChrystal is out - being replaced in Kabul by Petraeus.The decision was probably made before the meeting started and Barry surely concluded from a domestic perspective there was more to gain than lose in dismissing him. It's sad that despite McChrystals error in letting some speak their minds or engaging himself in pointless banter - that a publication like Rolling Stone has been pivotal in the eventual outcome of American efforts in Afghanistan.