Statement of Congressman King Regarding General Stanley McChrystal
June 23, 2010
Hails Selection of General Petraeus; Also Calls on President to Assert Control Over Civilians in His Administration
While I have a great personal regard for General Stanley McChrystal , I fully understand and support President Obama’s decision to accept his resignation as US and NATO Commander in Afghanistan. General McChrystal’s recent comments were entirely inappropriate. I strongly support the President’s appointment of General David Petraeus to replace General McChrystal. General Petraeus is a true American hero who implemented the “surge” policy and succeeded in Iraq against great odds.
It is now essential that President Obama finally take command and assert control over the civilian officials in his administration which to date has been divided and dysfunctional in carrying out American policy in Afghanistan.
• Vice President Biden must not be allowed to contradict Secretary Gates and Secretary Clinton and undercut our military commanders in Afghanistan by repeatedly saying that large numbers of troops will be pulled out of Afghanistan next summer.
• Ambassador Eikenberry and General Jones must not be allowed to publicly criticize President Karzai, contrary to Administration policy.
• Success in Afghanistan is essential. As Commander in Chief President Obama must end the division and dysfunction which undermine our policy and ultimately endanger the men and women of our Armed Forces.
Congressman King recently returned from his second visit to Afghanistan. Rep. King had met with General McChrystal in Iraq when he was Joint Special Operations Commander. Congressman King has met with General Petraeus numerous times in Iraq and the United States.