Since I don't want to assume anything else, is it safe to say you don't believe Gen Abazaid violated any rules when he said 'I am very dismayed by the emotional responses 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,'"
Rokke, IMO the "rules" and protocol were given the benefit of doubt in what could be considered gray-area -- especially with so obvious a political and controversial statement. Not to mention the timing.
As an Arab-American and CentCom General, Abizaid was perfect for what I saw as a voluntary "mission" straight from the top.
Careful here... when you say "rules" you are implying (however subtly) that Abazaid has violated a "rule".
Look, you are one of the few people on FreeRepublic who demands a close adherence to fact over speculation. In my experience reading your posts, you are clearly someone who avoids throwing out bold statements that are not well supported by factual evidence. But on this thread alone, you have made the following statements regarding Abizaid's statements...
"It wasn't an accident. And it wasn't spontaneous.
It was ordered and cleared from the top."
"Are you assuming a CentCom chief -- Gen. John Abizaid -- is going to make such a controversial statement without clearance from his CiC?"
"We do know Abizaid's timely comments were not a coincidence, nor was he reprimanded because he was obviously given a green light."
"I concur with you that he should have known better than to step into this political fray -- especially as a military commander -- but the WH was THAT desperate to put him in that awkward position, which I deemed patheticly exploitive of Abizaid, AND the American people.
"I'm sure the CiC gave Abizaid the courtesy of first asking how he felt about giving his opinion in public.
The ploy worked to absolute imperfection.
Abizaid distorted reality, and the President used his commanding General at the expense of compromising on BOTH their respective integrity."
"As an Arab-American and CentCom General, Abizaid was perfect for what I saw as a voluntary "mission" straight from the top."
Could you explain what your factual evidence is to support your repeated insistence that Abizaid was doing Whitehouse directed PR work here. Or is this just speculation made despite your admitted lack of familiarity with the military? Did the Whitehouse also prompt the mainstream media reporters to ask Abizaid what his opinion was regarded the Dubai Port deal? If so, since when has the Whitehouse gained such control over the MSM? Also, you may be interested to note that Gen Pace made very similar comments today in Baltimore.