McChrystal / Rolling Stone Interview: Obama Will Be The Only Loser

After President Barack Hussein Obama meets with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the Commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama will be painted into a political corner from which he cannot escape. In an upcoming article in Rolling Stone magazine, soon to be on the newsstands, McChrystal and his aides were critical of Obama's handling of the war in Afghanistan. McChrystal was hand-picked by the Obama administration to fight the battle against the Taliban. However, I am pleased to see that a high-ranking member of the U.S. military has decided to put the defense of his nation before politics.

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Yes, some will say McChrystal was insubordinate with his criticism of the Obama administration's handling of the war on terror in Afghanistan, and they are technically right to do so, but it is refreshing to see a man put the welfare of our nation and the men and women under his command who put their lives on the line to defend it. Many believe McChrystal may be forced to resign which would be akin to being fired. Or perhaps there is the slim chance the very thin-skinned President of the United States will scold McChrystal and send him back to the Middle East to continue his command. No matter what decision Obama, as Commander in Chief, makes regarding the situation, it will be the President who will be the loser. This President, who in the minds of many Americans puts politics ahead of sound policy, finds himself in an untenable position. There are a number of scenarios which may unfold regarding McChrystal that will result in Obama being seen as an inept leader. If he fires McChrystal, the General--who is highly respected in many quarters--will be free to go in front of the American people and tell the whole story about the Obama administration's failure to promote sound military strategy. On the other hand, if Obama simply scolds McChrystal, Obama will lose face and credibility with the American public. It is clear McChrystal will not be in a bread line, if Obama forces him to resign. And it is also clear that McChrystal is not willing to play the political game that the President wants him to. Many Americans believe Colonels and Generals achieve their ranks due to their ability to command. In reality, and unbelievably, politics plays an inordinate role in how (and how far) an individual can climb up the ranks in the United States Armed Forces. Those who play the political game, no matter their qualifications, often advance to positions of highest authority. Majors--who go against the flow--do not become Colonels and, if they do not become Colonels, they do not become Generals. How does one become a General? He or she must be confirmed by Congress. Therefore, it is not necessarily the merit achieved on the battlefield, in administration or in tactical proficiency which, far too often, puts individuals in positions of high command. But there are rare opportunities in peace time when the most qualified reach the ultimate military rank. Obviously, McChrystal's willingness to tell it like it is demonstrates he is a special man. In contrast, Obama is now put in a place where he cannot win. No one can impugn McChrystal's integrity. They can say he did not follow military protocol, but they cannot say he does not care for his country and those under his command. It will be interesting to see how an administration--which uses political spin at every opportunity--will handle the "dilemma" regarding Gen. McChrystal. And let there be no doubt, the White House does not see this as an opportunity for Obama to demonstrate leadership and authority with either the military or the American people. There's no question, if polled, the public would indicate they trust McChrystal more than they do the President of the United States regarding the assessment of what needs to be done in Afghanistan. The only doubt remaining is how far Obama's polling numbers will drop after his meeting with McChrystal and the decision Obama makes over McChrystal's fate.