Rumsfeld Faces Growing Revolt by Retired Generals [View All]

[DoYouEverWonder]

April 13, 2006

WASHINGTON, April 13 — An expanding group of influential former military officers is calling for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's resignation in a public rebellion that has become a significant challenge to the Pentagon's civilian leadership.

The uproar is significant because for the first time the criticism of Mr. Rumsfeld is coming from some recently retired generals who were involved in planning or execution of Iraq policy.

Though their critiques differ in some respects, a common thread is that Mr. Rumsfeld's assertive style has angered many in the uniformed services as he has sought to establish more clear-cut civilian control over the Pentagon and at times involved himself in the details of war-planning more than his predecessors.

The outcry against Mr. Rumsfeld also appears to be part of a coalescing of concerns among military officers that, three years into the Iraq war, the effort is taking a mounting toll on the armed forces, with little sign that the American troops will be able to withdraw in large numbers anytime soon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/washington/13cnd-military.html?hp&ex=1144987200&en=6365ea46871d51d8&ei=5094&partner=homepage

We sure do live in interesting times. Cheers to Sy Hersh for calling this one.