Pertinent Facts
Jules Crittenden sneers at Ambassador Eikenberry’s recommendation not to deploy troops to Central Asia, noting “that Eikenberry commands no troops in Afghanistan.” Well, bashing the diplomatic corps is de rigueur among the more vulgar denizens of the rightwing blogosphere, but it’s worth remembering that Eikenberry served two tours in Afghanistan and just resigned his commission as Lieutenant General. In other words, he probably knows a good deal more about what goes on over there than most.
Also, his commentary is directly related to his current area of responsibility: assessment of the current civil government in Afghanistan, and the U.S. relationship with it.Report
I bet that McChrystal knows more. Glenn Reynolds said it best: War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Dithering is Strength.Report
Being accused of “dithering” by an alumnus of the Bush Administration is like being accused of believing everything you read by an illiterate.Report
Nobody is questioning Eikenberry’s qualifications. Of course Obama must give his opinions their proper weight. But his criticism centers on the corruption of the Karzai govt. Is that the same govt Obama just congratulated as constituting the legitimate representative of the Afghan people?
The really disgusting story here is about the warring leaks in our own govt. All the public back and forth cannot have any other effect than of undermining the morale of our soldiers and marines along with encouraging the enemy. What’s the purpose of it all? Why is it taking so long?Report