Obama should come out repeating that he's the best man for the job, and I actually think the message he should focus on is how these comments have helped him form a better working relationship. He should entirely avoid publicly criticizing the general. The net view should be "when faced with criticism, Obama was focused on understanding why the criticism existed and how he could change the situation to address the underlying concerns".
McCrystal should come out apologizing for the off remarks, saying they were inappropriate and unprofessional and more: that they are no longer true. The Obama has righted or clarified whatever caused the issue in the first place and that he completely supports the administration.
I think, strongly, that would have the best outcome for all parties involved. Obama comes out as non-petty and capable of improving, and McCrystal comes out with the minimum of loss-of-face.
Generally I agree with you. The problem I mentioned still exists though. There will be some group unhappy with such an outcome. The simple consideration now is damage control. They can only figure out how to piss off the least amount of people possible. Many a good military member will be highly angered by McCrystal being able to keep his job, on top of civilians. It's a hard issue to deal with, even if it's an issue that's clear-cut and easy to understand.
McChrystal will most likely be given the option of retiring for the service he already has given his country.
I genuinely believe that is the outcome. I personally would be furious if his service and accomplishments for us are trumped by this.
Your only justification for disobeying an order is if it was illegal. If you go that route - boy, you had better have your ducks in a row...
Couldn't agree more, as long as it's a matter of the letter of the law with no question of morality and ethics raised.
I think he should get canned. Agree or not with the CNC, he's the boss and the general is a sworn officer of the US military that is required to keep his damn mouth shut.
There are those times when a general needs to "fall on his sword" and make his disagreement public just to get the polititians moving on an issue. But he needs to be prepared to garner his resignation. I don't think this was the case in this instance.
I'm with ya, I just think of it from the logical standpoint as the loss of a strong figurehead in this war going on. You bring up exactly the state of mind I pointed to with regards to Jerry's post. Anyone wearing the uniform, and strongly bound to the UCMJ, would be furious if he is allowed to keep his position. I totally agree, but if we start to dig deeper, this whole thing has serious political and foreign relations implications that aren't even being thought about yet by the average civi.
In general, no good can come of this. All they can do is figure out how to minimize the damage.
