Charming report out of a source I have never heard of before, so I have no clue about the validity of the story (and doubt it is true, as what is being suggested is pretty insane), and readers should beware:
CENTCOM commander Gen. David Petraeus, supported by Defence Secretary Robert Gates, tried to convince President Barack Obama that he had to back down from his campaign pledge to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months at an Oval Office meeting Jan. 21.
But Obama informed Gates, Petraeus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen that he wasn’t convinced and that he wanted Gates and the military leaders to come back quickly with a detailed 16-month plan, according to two sources who have talked with participants in the meeting.
Obama’s decision to override Petraeus’s recommendation has not ended the conflict between the president and senior military officers over troop withdrawal, however. There are indications that Petraeus and his allies in the military and the Pentagon, including Gen. Ray Odierno, now the top commander in Iraq, have already begun to try to pressure Obama to change his withdrawal policy.
A network of senior military officers is also reported to be preparing to support Petraeus and Odierno by mobilising public opinion against Obama’s decision.
If this source is correct, and this is true, and if they can not follow orders, they can resign their commissions. It is that simple.
Obligatory Dwight Eisenhower farewell speech reference.
*** Update ***
Folks, the important part of this story is the fourth paragraph (that I have bolded). There is a word for that, and Republicans like to toss that word around. That is why I have said this report is insane if accurate.
Obligatory MacArthur reference.