Ultimately, McChrystal left Obama no choice whatsoever.
Lobbying for a troop increase publicly following the leak of his formal request last Fall, McChrystal placed Obama in the uncomfortable position of choosing between the recommendation of the man he personally selected to prosecute and ultimately conclude the war in Afghanistan and his political base that clamored for an end to America’s seemingly fruitless and open-ended occupation of Hell’s half acre. While some charitably characterized McChrystal as merely being a step ahead of Obama’s ultimate decision, others saw a political gambit that undermined the principal of civilian control of the military and a challenge to the President’s national command authority.
In light of the remarks covered in the Rolling Stone piece, the position of those who believe the latter was significantly strengthened by what appears to be a culture of open contempt of the administration and key members of the National Security Council among McChrystal’s command staff. Accordingly, the President had to save face as well as firmly reassert the principal of civilian control of the military.
Beyond the realm of constitutional principals, there is also the very real world concern of presidential perception and America’s national security. Currently, though personally popular among adoring throngs the planet over, there is considerable doubt among his peers – as well as America’s antagonists – about Obama’s resolve. Indeed, the perception of Obama among world leaders belies the image one normally associates with a veteran of the rough and tumble, cut-throat Chicago political scene. To retain McChrystal with little more than a hearty serving of humble pie as his punishment would have reinforced the perception of an irresolute and weak-willed president. The implications for America’s national security are potentially significant as her adversaries and antagonists would be further emboldened and increasingly believe they can challenge or disregard her with impunity.
All in all, it's an abrupt and disappointing end to what appears to be an otherwise exemplary military career. I do, though, believe there are a number of lessons that can be gleaned from this unfortunate turn of events.
1) Once a star appears on your shoulders, everything you do and say will be subjected to the harsh and unforgiving light of bureaucratic and public scrutiny.
That scrutiny exponentially increases with each additional star.
This multiplies astronomically when one becomes the field commander of a lingering, multi-year war that many regard as a hopeless, festering wound.
Act accordingly, 24/7/365.
2) Soldiers are human, too.
Off-duty, they drink, use course language, act sophomoric and immature, have issues with authority, believe they're smarter than their superiors, are disdainful of self-important politicians, have strong political views and share them with their peers and friends in discussions that often include the aforementioned course language.
3) The President's perception problem permeates the military as thoroughly as it does the international arena.
4) Loose lips sink ships. And decades-long military careers. Take the Go-Go's admonition to heart and keep your lips sealed.
5) Unlike Dr. Hook, generals should never, ever long to appear on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
if that were true about anyone, its true about him.
