General John Batiste: patriot or traitor?

Question

Retired General John Batiste, former commander in Iraq, has recently come forward and harshly criticized President Bush’s policies in Iraq. His assertion is that a war cannot be won primarily with military might. He charges that Bush’s policy in Iraq has failed because our military effort does not work in concert with economic and diplomatic strategies. Who knows more about war strategies, a four-star general with an impeccable military record, or a president who’s never seen combat?

Answer 1

The list of retired Generals who have spoken out against the current Iraq policy of the C-in-C is as follows:

Major General Paul D. Eaton (Army);
Major General John Batiste (Army) - NOT a 4-Star
Major General Charles Swannack (Army)
Major General John Riggs (Army)

General Anthony Zinni (Marine) former CENTCOM Commander.
Lt. General Gregory Newbold, (Marine) retired director of operations at the Pentagon’s joint staff.

Of these, MG Eaton and MG Batiste have been the most vocal and public. Both have been part of the conduct of the war; MG Eaton was behind the botched training of Iraqi security forces; MG Batiste was assistant to former Deputy SecDef, Paul Wolfowitz.

It bears reminding that these two men do not have "impeccable military records". Both have been slammed repeatedly for past performance (The legendary COL Hackworth called out MG Eaton alone out no less than 4 times). Both were part of the process regarding the invasion of Iraq, yet did not speak out.

Why wait til now to come forward? GEN Shinseki came forward with a point-blank common sense assessment on the total troop strength needed for Iraq, and ultimately got relieved. Why didn't they stand by him then?

Speaking out is commendable on part of MG Batiste, but not only is he not alone (others with much less blame or personal involvement in the whole Iraq debacle have raised just as clear or better points) but the timing ultimately leaves a lot to be desired - and with Congressional turnover to the Democrats then imminent and Presidential elections approaching, leaves serious questions about motives.

Answer 2

First off Batiste was a Major General (2 stars). He has some points. Military might alone will not win wars in today's times. It was proven in the Vietnam war. Westmoreland, and McNamara failed their military terribly. Currently the military is building schools, hospitals, roads, etc.. The building of an infastructre is important, but as long as the insurgents are there, not much will be accomplished as they continue to wreck these projects. Iraq has the possibilities of being a major power in the region if only those that oppose re building that nation will be part of the solution and not the problem. Batiste is a now a civilian and can state his personal views, while when in the Army he couldn't.

Answer 3

This is what I would call legitimate criticism, as opposed to the generally mindless criticisms from the left.

But you are misinformed if you think that Bush thought up the overall strategy on his own. You are delusional if you believe that. The policies in Iraq were crafted based on input from many sources, sources just as experienced and knowledgeable as Batiste.

The JCS, Colin Powell, Don Rumsfeld, the General Staff, the State Department, the Intelligence Services, the NSA, etc.

Or is Batiste trying to burnish his own legacy? As commander there, why did he fail to accomplish this? Commanders have a lot of input into how things are done, and have some autonomy to enact things. One must also consider that he might be blaming others for his own failures.

But, again, at least it isn't the standard "Bush lied" mindless drivel.

Answer 4

Why would he be classified as either ?

He is an American citizen as far as I know.

Thus he has the freedom to speak his mind.

Critising the government doesn't make one a patriot or a traitor.

It, just makes one a citizen exercising their constitutional rights.

And to answer your other question.

Who would you rather listen to, Major General John Batiste or to General David Petraeus?

As far as I know, General David Petraeus is considered the top expert on insurgency warfare in the US military.