Jim Webb weighs in on the General McChrystal controversy:
[Senator Jim] Webb, a veteran and former secretary of the Navy in the Reagan administration, chided the commander of troops in Afghanistan for having traveled to London to make a speech and having given an interview to "60 Minutes" while President Barack Obama weighs how to proceed in that country.
"At a time when people were meeting in the White House discussing Afghanistan, he was giving a speech in London," Webb said during an interview on MSNBC. "I thought that was pretty odd."
Webb suggested that recent statements about McChrystal from National Security Adviser Jim Jones and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates were somewhat bristling toward McChrystal, for stepping outside the military's "chain of command" to make his recommendations.
"Gen. McChyrstal's recommendations are only one part of that conversation, and I think he needs to understand that," Webb argued.
As usual, if there's anyone I listen to when it comes to military matters, it's former Navy Secretary (and recipient of the Navy Cross, Silver Star, etc.) Jim Webb. In this case, I'm fascinated that Webb felt the need to speak out about Gen. McChrystal's comments and actions, as well as to vigorously defend the "chain of command." Among other things, it makes me wonder what the chatter is on this subject among military people Webb talks to...
