I worked with him from 1998-2000. A good guy and very respected among troops. But...
Has always been a Democrat who admittedly broke ranks with his family and voted Republican one time (for Bush in 2000).
Was a Clinton favorite, and has always been a big UN fan.
Has always been against military action against Iraq. Was very hesitant about the 1998 bombing during Desert Fox, to the consternation of all his subordinate Generals. Not because, as they thought, it did not go far enough, but because he feared we were pushing Saddam, and more importantly the other mid-east Arab leaders, too hard.
A great warrior, but ever since Somilia has been clearly on the dove side of almost any military action anywhere.
No insult intended to the man. I would not even claim I could fill his shoes. I just keep everything he says in perspective knowing his opinions. GEN Franks always held him in high respect, but I do not believe they agreed about the need for force against Saddam. Franks, who spent more years there than Zinni, never believed Saddam would give in to international pressure and would have to be taken out.
I only wish these retired Generals would realize what they do to moral when they talk too much, especially when they were not involved with the decision making.
These are foremost the words of a future Dem Senate candidate.
As you appear to know about Zinni, his ego is too big for his love for America and caution regarding the Soldiers in theater ... if it's between feeding his massive ego or keeping his mouth shut in order to not harm our Soldiers' current mission, Zinni's ego always wins.
Thank you for your insight in this matter!