General Petraeus Isn't Jumping On The Obama/Media Band Wagon For A Timetable

The top U.S. military commander in Iraq isn't buying the increasingly popular idea of a publicly stated timetable for American troop withdrawal.

Gen. David Petraeus, the Iraq commander, said in an interview with McClatchy that the situation in Iraq is too volatile to "project out, and to then try to plant a flag on a particular date."

McClatchy

Ah, That's How Obama Is Going To Get Away With Ignoring Petraeus!

First thought -- uh, um, well, ah, what did, um, he, uh, say?

Further thought -- This is the formula he is going to use to stick to his timetable despite the generals on the ground and their commander General Petraeus advising against it.

Problem is Obama is just as bad a strategist in dealing with Iran and radical Islam as his ideological predecessor Jimmy Carter was.


What may be considered a tactical move could end up being a strategic defeat if Obama ignores his commanders.  He is confusing policy making with strategy.

Via Power Line -- What Obam Learned From General Petraeus

Couric: You talk about a residual force remaining in Iraq, but you’ve been hesitant to really give a number … to people. You haven’t been specific, though some of your advisors have said it could be tens of thousands of troops. Why can’t you be more specific as to what you envision?

Obama: Now, keep in mind that when I talk about timetables, people say that’s too specific, with respect to residual force, maybe not specific enough. I think this is an example of a tactical issue. How do you execute a mission that requires commanders on the ground to make that decision? My job as commander-in-chief would be to indicate to them here’s our goal, here are the missions that we need to carry out. Now, you tell me what it is that we need in terms of boots on the ground, in terms of equipment, in terms of other capabilities that are gonna be required. The overarching strategy is not something that I can deflect to the general. That’s something that I have to make a decision at of, if I am president of the United States.

Couric: Having said that, if General Petraeus or the chairman of the joint chiefs, Admiral Mullen, say to you, “Hey, President Obama …”

Obama: Right.

Couric: …if that comes to pass, “you cannot take out the final complement of combat troops. You need them in the theater,” you would say?

Obama: I will always listen to the commanders on the ground. And I will make an assessment based on the facts at that time.

Via Hot Air -- Obama to Couric: You know, I’m not sure how many troops I’ll keep in Iraq