In fact, remember how very careful Gen. Pace was in his public statement on Rep. Murtha's agitation for OIF troop withdrawal? That was some verbal minuet, I tell you. Pace went out of his way to "honor" Murtha's service... well, they're both Marines ... before he so politely disagreed. The President also was very careful in any comments on Murtha, who had seriously compromised support for OIF, troop morale, had encouraged the enemy and set back the WOT.
I recall Tommy Franks being interviewed --- at the time his book was coming out during the 2004 campaign --- and when asked about politics, was very coy. And this is a retired general.
So, when I viewed Abizaid making his pro-ports deal pitch plus "anti-Arab" allegations, it struck me like cold water in the face. Military brass, to say the least, are and should be totally focused on military strategy and operations. They are out of their depth in political matters, although they are in the unenviable position of being a bridge between politicians and the troops. Abizaid could be understood to the extent that we dock some ships in UAE and our guys take R'n'R in Dubai; but,as far as making the anti-Arab allegation, that was unprofessional.
Let me repost Gen Abizaid's entire comment...
I'm very dismayed by the emotional response that some people have put on the table here in the United States that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing that was totally unnecessary. I don't want to comment on the port issue, but I will say that the UAE is a good friend and we need to keep them that way."
What is it about this statement that strikes you and incorrect or inappropriate?
"In fact, remember how very careful Gen. Pace was in his public statement on Rep. Murtha's agitation for OIF troop withdrawal?"
Pace was responding to specific comments by a specific Congressman. That is a different scenario than the broad UAE bashing that occurred over the ports deal. Here is a bit of some of Pace's recent comments concerning the port deal..."My point is that somehow before we all rush to a judgment either for or against, we ought to allow ourselves as a nation to have an open dialogue take the time necessary to inform ourselves, and then make a decision about which we can be proud."
"Military brass, to say the least, are and should be totally focused on military strategy and operations."
Which is exactly why the way this port deal was handled is SO important to Generals like Abizaid and Pace. They will have to deal with the immediate impacts and it will potentially change the entire environment in which they conduct strategy and operations.
"Abizaid could be understood to the extent that we dock some ships in UAE and our guys take R'n'R in Dubai;"
Do you really think that is the extent of the role the UAE plays in our CENTCOM operations? If so, you are greatly underinformed.
"but,as far as making the anti-Arab allegation, that was unprofessional."
Again, was he correct in what he said or not?