General McChrystal

Anyone who has a much contempt for his superiors and colleagues (President Obama, Vice President Biden, Ambassador Eikenberry and several others) as General Stanley McChrystal is going to have a hard time doing his job effectively.

While his judgement may be accurate, senior members of the military are expected to give their best advice to the civilian leaders of the nation. When their advice is not taken, or conflicts with the strategy that has been adopted, their next step is to accept the decision and keep their mouths shut in public while taking all possible actions to execute the strategy. In short, say "Yes, Sir", salute, and charge up the hill. If that is too difficult, retirement or resignation are both honorable alternatives.

General McChrystal acted appallingly - perhaps even dishonorably - when he communicated his negative opinions to his staff. Worse, he and his staff then passed them on to a journalist working for Rolling Stone magazine. That the result was an inflammatory article, likely harmful to U.S. interests in Afghanistan, should be no surprise to any thoughtful person.

General McChrystal's actions indicate that he is sadly lacking in leadership skills and, therefore, unfit to serve in the position of Commander in Chief of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. It is your correspondent's opinion that he should be relieved of command for incompetence.

On the other hand, if the Commander in Chief, President Obama, is feeling generous, he may wish to accept what is reported to be General McChrystal's offer to retire.

Either Thursday or Friday of this week would be a good day for a retirement ceremony.