In a confidential report leaked to The Washington Post, Afghanistan commander Army General Stanley McChrystal has requested more troops for the Afghanistan effort. He has also warned that we have perhaps 12-18 months to turn the losing situation there around.
This McClatchy article concerns the apparent stand expected of General McChrystal. What is new in the McClatchy article is the expectation that if he isn't given the troops he believes he needs, he will resign rather than preside over a losing effort.
McChrystal is not quoted to this effect, other officers are quoted as believing it is what he might do. McChrystal has plausible deniability. In other words, it may be a bluff or it may be an accurate assessment of his intentions. Generals have been fired for less, think MacArthur in Korea.
McChrystal was sent to Afghanistan to replace the former commander who Obama fired. If the White House calls McChrystal's bluff and he does resign, it will be a serious setback for an administration that already has had several and doesn't need any more.
Once again, the rock and hard place are in close proximity. Being President is no easy task.
