US-IRAQ: Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision

[babsbunny]

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45640

By Gareth Porter*

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (IPS) - 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.

[bluestateguy]

1. This cannot be allowed

We have civilian control of the military. The military is not an arm of the GOP. Politicization of the military is dangerous to liberty and freedom.

Obama may have to go Harry Truman on David Douglas McCarthur Petraeus if this persists.

[frogcycle]

3. I expect he will, but all in due time

If he can get them to "get it," and come up with a plan like good soldiers, more's the better. At some point, though, he'll say "read my lips" and they will either say "sir, yes sir!' or be gone.

[RandySF]

2. No surprise

Officers make up the core of the right wing within the military.