Top U.S. General Under Fire: Afghan War Strategist McChrystal Summoned to Explain Magazine Comments

MATTHEW ROSENBERG, PETER SPIEGEL The Wall Street Journal 06/22/2010 15:35

The future of the top U.S. commander and strategist of the Afghan war was cast into doubt after he had to apologize and was called to Washington to explain comments by him and his aides disparaging President Barack Obama, his national security team, and U.S. allies.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, 55, faced a barrage of criticism from top U.S. officials for mocking his civilian bosses and administration colleagues in a magazine article.

Some of his strongest advocates failed to jump to his defense after copies of the eight-page profile in Rolling Stone, titled "The Runaway General," circulated ahead of its publication Friday.

The article portrays Gen. McChrystal and his staff as rogues with little regard for the Washington chain of command, including Mr. Obama. Gen. McChrystal is quoted belittling Vice President Joseph Biden and other members of the administration, including Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the top U.S. civilian on Afghan policy.

In brief remarks Tuesday, Mr. Obama said Gen. McChrystal "showed poor judgment" in his comments to the magazine, but said he wanted to speak to his Afghan commander in person before deciding his fate.

Several U.S. officials said they expected Gen McChrystal to offer to resign.

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