Question for whoever claims Petraeus is a good pick for McChrystal's position

[Mathilda]

Did you suggest that Petraeus should have been the pick before Obama picked him?

[hlthe2b]

1. What is your point?

Why would any of us have had enough knowledge of those eligible to be named that we would have suggested ANYONE? Hell we didn't even know if MCC was out or not. What is your point?

[Mathilda]

2. I am just making sure

That this is not a Kagan-is-awesome-because-Obama-picked-her scenario.

[Wickerman]

4. and it would matter how in the larger scheme? n/t

[hlthe2b]

6. I think O had an untenable situation and made the best possible

choices--both to neuter criticism, reassure allies, and maintain continuity on at least the short term. Now that is a long way from saying that I am confident Petraeus is THE MAN to bring this debacle to an end. He might be, given he's putting his reputation on the line for what seems like a hopeless situation. Or maybe not. But, I can see the strategic value in picking Petraeus and I will give Obama a few kudos for that. :shrug:

[Oregone]

7. Totally fair question IMHO

Im also a little disturbed at how satisfied some people are with this move, when the real move should be to get the fuck out of Afghanistan.

We don't need a change of drapes and a new media makeover on this failure.

[hlthe2b]

9. you still have to put someone in that position...

Did you really expect Obama to step on the podium, state he's canned MCC, but that he's expecting the troops in Afghanistan to begin packing it in, effective immediately, sans new leadership, as NATO allies stand there with their mouths wide open? Is that the scenario you thought would happen? Hell, I want us out of Afghanistan as soon as we possibly can, but I am realistic about it. :shrug:

[Oregone]

12. "Is that the scenario you thought would happen"

No. This is what I expected to happen, though I prefer your scenario.

Our NATO allies wouldn't wait around too long

[Warpy]

3. I don't think anybody here thinks he's a good pick

but since Stupid fired anyone who wasn't a loyalist, there's just not a hell of a lot left to pick from.

However, if he's able to do the same job without infuriating Afghans and allies, he might be a minor improvement.

No loyalist to the last administration is going to be good.

[Gaedel]

21. Obama can bring a retiree back to active duty eom

He can bring back Wes Clark if he wants to.

[sandnsea]

5. I'd prefer Wes Clark

or someone with his philosophy. But as far as the situation goes, Petraeus is a good political pick and can implement the strategy, whether I agree with the strategy or not. It's not like we were going to start withdrawing next week.

[FrenchieCat]

16. Gen. Clark's philosophy while he wore the uniform was

to go in with all of the power you had,
and if fighting a war, fight to win it.....
if the war is deemed unwinnable, then leave...but be careful on how you do it.

I think that is what we are currently doing in Afghanistan,
giving this last one go, and if we can't win, we will be leaving.

[sandnsea]

24. He had better political skills

I can't imagine Clark asking how he got jerked into attended a NATO dinner or otherwise disrespecting the people he was helping or needed to help him. I wouldn't want the guy described in the article on my local police dept, let alone a general running a war. That's the part I'm talking about. Running around propping up Karzai and condemning Senators who were trying to figure out how to resolve an election impasse and dissatisfaction with obvious corruption. What the fuck is that? I just think Clark has more respect for foreign relations than that. More generals need to.

As far as the military strategy, yes, fight a war to win. But if it's not worth the last soldier, than it's not worth the first one. The time to decide that is when you commit, which has already been done. I read that they're taking a calmer approach in Kandahar, just moving in a few blocks at a time rather than kicking doors down and raiding the place. We'll see.

[tekisui]

8. Fucking Betrayus. The only one who could ahve been a worse pick

than McCHrystal.

[Oregone]

10. Did it really matter who was piloting the Titanic after it started taking water?

[HughMoran]

20. Of course not

Much ado about nothing.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ellenfl]

13. isn't this a step down for petraeus?

isn't being in charge of centcom more prestigious? after all, he already did his thing in iraq. now he's asked to go back into battle to do the same in afghanistan? doesn't seem like a step up to me unless it's interim.

ellen fl

[hlthe2b]

15. Isn't he still in charge of centcom?

I don't know that he has done anything but accepted more responsibilities? Anyone?

[wmbrew0206]

22. It is a step down. Petraeus is now the CG CFC-A and there will be a new

CentCom commander above Petraeus.

I know a lot of people here down like Petraeus, but this is the most selfless act a four star general can preform. Giving up a higher command to take a lower one because the President asked you to. CentCom isn't an easy command but it is a lot more comfortable than being CG Afghanistan. Petraeus is going back into the fight after thinking his time was over and he would retire in a couple years.

[mwrguy]

14. Clark or Shinseki should get the job

[FrenchieCat]

17. Clark hasn't worn the uniform in nearly 10 years.

I think Shinseki is retired as well.

[mwrguy]

18. retired but technically in the reserve

He can be brought back if the President wills it.

[FrenchieCat]

19. I think Patreus is more familiar with the situation,

and although Iraq was an outrageous war,
it is nearly over, and part of the reason
is what Patreus was able to do; turn an impossible situation
into a fairly manageable one.
I'll give credit when and if credit is due....
rather than stick to my lines just because their my lines.

[wmbrew0206]

23. Not a good idea. Both are not familiar with the COIN strategy being imployed and

there are a bunch of younger generals who could do it better than them. Also in the military you promote up, not off of the senior tour.