Did Politics Cost Afghanistan Commander His Job?

David McKiernan: Thinly stretched British forces hold of string of district centres, but much of the countryside remains too dangerous for government officials or aid workers. Photo: REUTERS

From Pajamas Media:

In 1943, few American officers had brighter prospects than John Lucas and Haywood “Possum” Hansell. But developments on the battlefield — and other events — derailed their appointment with greatness, leaving them as little more than historical footnotes — two more names on the long list of failed military commanders.

Six decades later, Army Lieutenant General David McKiernan appears destined for the same, historical ash heap. McKiernan was fired earlier this week as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, amid a surge in Taliban activity and the Obama administration’s desire for a “fresh approach” in that country.

But history also reminds us that the dismissal of senior military leaders is almost inevitably linked to politics. It was true in the days of the Roman legion and the early days of World War II, and it was evident in Washington again this week.

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My Comment: The Political Masters with their allies in the Pentagon are always playing a political game .... and this game is called political survival. The question that I am asking now is .... who will be next?