For Vietnam Vet Anthony Zinni, Another War on Shaky Territory

Washington Post ^ | Tuesday, December 23, 2003; | Thomas E. Ricks

[SUSSA]

Anthony C. Zinni's opposition to U.S. policy on Iraq began on the monsoon-ridden afternoon of Nov. 3, 1970. He was lying on a Vietnamese mountainside west of Da Nang, three rounds from an AK-47 assault rifle in his side and back. He could feel his lifeblood seeping into the ground as he slipped in and out of consciousness.

He had plenty of time to think in the following months while recuperating in a military hospital in Hawaii. Among other things, he promised himself that, "If I'm ever in a position to say what I think is right, I will. . . . I don't care what happens to my career."

That time has arrived.

[MEG33]

Looking over middie's posts I see he is a great admirer of Gen. Clark's leadership abilities.It seems Gen. Zinni and Clark agree on Iraq.Hmmm

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Very interesting. True to form, the Post is more intent on sowing dissension on Iraq policy, than in properly airing Zinni's alternatives. His idea of eighteen regional councils isn't fleshed out to the point where we could understand the benefits.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..like Wesley Clark, he thinks he knows best...

On Iraq, he knows plenty. Merry Christmas, Byron

[Byron_the_Aussie]

..even heroes can be wrong...

Hero, yes, but his Iraq credentials are what give his opinion weight. Cheers, By

[Byron_the_Aussie]

...your prejudice is showing....

So's yours. Merry Christmas, By

[CWOJackson]

The toads buddy speaks...LOL!

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Huh?

[CWOJackson]

"Huh"?

The most intelligent thing you've said on this thread.

[rotorhawk]

Central Command Chief in Charge of all U.S. Forces in the Persian Gulf Region...

First off, it's Central Command Commander In Chief (CINC).

Second, the term CINC is now only used when refering to POTUS. Military commanders in postions of command over a theater or region are called Combatant Commanders.

Third, Zinni is a clinton cry baby and good thing that Gen Franks changed the way business was conducted in CENTCOM.

Last, when I hear Tommy Franks start speaking out against the way we are doing business in OIF and OEF, then I might pay attention.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Preparation H yet to kick in, Skipper?

[CWOJackson]

Actually, I use Crest...what you elect to brush with is your business.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Don't be coy, Skip. For someone who spent a lonely Christmas day flaming their fellow Freepers, a heavy application might be of help?

[CWOJackson]

Naw, I don't have any itchy or annoying Byrons and as I said, Crest is fine for me. However I can understand how you could mix the two up....and fittingly so.

[CWOJackson]

Shouldn't you be over at that other site where your buddy the toad is posting his chubby little butt off? You two were in such harmony.

[dennisw]

Ha, thanks for the laughs and opinions. Funnier than the comedy channel on cable.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

C'mon, Skip. Easy on the denial. Anyone who could spend most of Christmas Day on a website making dozens of insulting posts needs to face up to their problem. Maybe you just need a bigger applicator?

[Byron_the_Aussie]

...funnier than the comedy channel on cable...

Right. A little work needed in the compliments department, Dennis.

[CWOJackson]

"Maybe you just need a bigger applicator?"

LOL! Sounds like you use your head as an applicator, but hey, when you have little Byrons handing down there I'm sure they are annoying.

So are you lonesome because you chubby little buddy got banned again? Or is your fasinatation with my ass, again, just for the holidays. You do know that your recurring fasination with my ass is strange.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Neither, Skipper. Zinni's three-page interview is worthy of discussion, but instead you flame the poster- like you did dozens of other posters, on Christmas Day. I'm guessing your problem isn't with posters at all. It's something you bring to FR. G'night, By

[CWOJackson]

Worthy of discussion? Flag officers and like children, they should be seen and not heard. They serve at the pleasure of the civilian authorities.

Should he have an opinion? Of course...and he should keep it to himself or within the confines of the Pentagon.

But I can understand your sudden interest in Generalship? With a military tradition that includes Gallipoli. But then again your politics down under aren't much different. Remind me again, what year was it that you people ALLOWED your English overseeing to dismantle your elected government? Wasn't that in the 80's?