I would really like to hear your opinions on this issue, and educate me on what Obama could do about mcchrystal going over his head by going public. I am hoping to get a discussion going on the actual blog post, so comment if you would like.
I don't know about fired. But the idea that we should be taking direction from a General is absurd to me. Of course he wants more troops. So what?! The question should be is it a good idea for the US to escalate this war. Will it make us safer? How many more people will die? How much will it cost? Will it actually make us less safe (I think that it will.) Personally I strongly believe we should get the hell out of there ASAP.
Yeah, what would some General on the ground know about winning the war. p.s. The President does not take direction from his subordinate officers, he takes advice.
There are bigger things to consider than "winning the war." The bigger issue is: Are US Interests Best Served By Being In The War In The First Place? That's the question the President should be asking. I think it's obvious that they are not and that we would be better served by getting out of that war as quickly as possible.
I agree that is the question the President faces, but the General has a different set of questions that he is answering. His advice to the President is just a factor in the Presidents decision. The General is not and should not be concerned with anything but his particular mission. It is not his job to try and guide the Presidents foreign policy decisions. As for the General, I do not think there is any bigger issue than winning whatever war the President tasks him with.