Tuesday, April 19, 2011

McChrystal at repose


After what happened to Fox Fallon - I never will understand someone with 4-stars giving such open access to a reporter. The results were predictable, but in the end at least McChrystal can relax and let history speak to the injustice done to his professional record and his reputation.
A Pentagon inquiry into last summer's Rolling Stone profile "The Runaway General" that led to the sacking of then-top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal has found "no proof of wrongdoing" by the general or his military and civilian advisers, and disputed several incidents and comments reported in the article (NYT, AFP, Tel, Guardian). Read the inspector general's report here (pdf) and Rolling Stone's response here.
A reporter is never your friend - engage them, but never forget that for those who have a paycheck involved - you are a mark.

I never had a beef with McChrystal - however I also still say the CINC did not have much of a choice in this matter.

Let this be a lesson; truth that comes late can do you little good. Watch who you are talking to, know who they work for, know their world-view - act accordingly.

Sad all the way around. Do I need to add - really - that all of this was for Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone for frack's sake. One step over from Tiger Beat.

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