Mrs. Clinton and combat

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pushed back against the US Commander in Afghanistan—the guy on the ground. The Obama administration apparently didn’t appreciate his blunt warning that the battle against insurgents in Afghanistan would likely be lost within a year without more US troops. Obama had directed General McChrylstal not to request more troops in his report to the Pentagon—this is nonsense. The guy on the ground is to give honest, complete reports to the boss—the boss doesn’t have to do what the guy on the ground says—but the report should be complete.Clinton expressed “respect” for McChrystal’s assessment that the US would likely lose the war in Afghanistan within a year without more US forces. “But I can only tell you there are other assessments from very expert military analysts who have worked in counter-insurgencies that are the exact opposite,” she said.Clinton’s remarks were the latest sign of resistance by the administration of President Obama to a major escalation in the US commitment in Afghanistan without a lengthy internal review and debate. br /br /Bottom line, two people who have never served in uniform but have governmental power are expressing their distain for military people who are committed to tell the truth—even when the boss doesn’t like it. Advisors are just advisors; the guy on the ground has to produce. So, Mr. Obama—either give the good general what he wants or accept his resignation and assign one of Mrs. Clinton’s “expert advisors” to command over there.