One would hope that intemperate remarks from one general would not be enough to change U.S. geopolitical strategy. So far the White House seems to be taking the long view here, understanding that the counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan is bigger than Gen. McChrystal or whoever else might be commander. McChrystal was indiscreet and bombastic. In the extreme view he was insubordinate. None of that is relevant to what long-term Afghanistan policy should be.
If you think counterinsurgency is the wrong strategy for Afghanistan, you have plenty of grounds for arguing that case independent of McChrystal’s comments. We have far worse problems than Afghanistan if a few too many Bud Light Limes can scuttle a mission and alter our long-term strategy.
