Why was Clark dismissed?

[sfecap]

He apparently doesn't know, and isn't interested, (or that's what he claims in interviews.)

Is it not somewhat ironic that a General who "won" in Kosovo, and purports to be a Democrat was dismissed under a Democratic administration? Clinton now supports this man. Why didn't he support him then?

What did Clark do to get fired?

[neuvocat]

1. Is it not ironic you have no link?

[sfecap]

3. Here you go...

rom "Meet the Press", June 15, 2003.

(snip)

MR. RUSSERT: When you left your command, there was an article in The Washington Post on—in July of 1999, which I want to talk about and give you a chance to talk about it. And here it is on the screen.
“General Clark to Leave Top Post at NATO. After months of tension with the Pentagon over the conduct of NATO’s war against Yugoslavia, Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark was abruptly informed that his term as the alliance’s top commander will end...the decision to end Clark’s term a few months short of three years was unusual, and some military officials said it may be seen by his congressional supporters and among European allies as an affront to the general who led NATO to victory. ...Informed of the decision less than an hour before a reporter called seeking his response, Clark later issued a statement accepting the change...”
Why were you asked to step down?

GEN. CLARK: Well, the honest answer is I don’t know. And I never really asked. I was given a number of reasons. I don’t know. It’s one of those things when it happens, it happens. You know, you work for the president and the secretary of Defense and when—I was told that was the decision, that was the decision.

MR. RUSSERT: Was it a performance issue?

GEN. CLARK: Not to my knowledge.

MR. RUSSERT: And you’re not the least bit curious?

GEN. CLARK: Yeah, I have been curious, Tim. It hurt. But, you know, you just have to move past things like that in your life.

(snip)

http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/927000.asp

[Catch22Dem]

2. It appears

He pretty well pissed off the likes of Hugh Shelton and others in the Pentagon. According to people close to Clinton, he was highly pissed off when he found out Clark had been relieved. Apparently Clinton was fond of Clark, but Clark pissed off way too many Pentagon officials by being too political. Please note, even during a democratic administration, the Pentagon will always be heavy on pukes. It's no wonder they didn't like Clark.

[JI7]

5. what happened

guys like hugh shelton lied to clinton and said there was a time limit on clark's position, and his time was almost up and that he would need to appoint someone else. and they gave some suggestions for another guy which clinton signed off on. they did not tell clinton that clark could serve more time and that he wanted to serve more time. clinton felt really bad about it when he found out what happened. although clark and clinton were not very close friends, they knew each other and admired each other.

[molly]

4. POLITICS!

I like Wesley Clark - he is up there with Kerry and Edwards - they have nothing to hide.

[carpetbagger]

6. I've already told you and everyone else this one.

Ralston needed an appointment as a general of full rank within 60 days. He was to be SACEUR, so to ensure Ralston's appointment, Clark needed to leave early. That's the official explanation that was given to Wes Clark.

However, it seems that there were other considerations. Many people, including Shelton and Cohen, were displeased with how closely Clark was working with Clinton and Albright. They were displeased with Clark's advocacy regarding the Kosovars.

I've previously asked how Clark could have inquired about these things in a way which would get him the real answer, avoid having to act like a raving psychopath, or both. I've gotten no suggestions.

And dude, Cohen was a republican.