US generals 'will quit' if Bush orders Iran attack

The Sunday Times ^ | FEB. 25, 2007 | Michael Smith and Sarah Baxter

[George Creel]

Some of America’s most senior military commanders are prepared to resign if the White House orders a military strike against Iran, according to highly placed defence and intelligence sources.

[hinckley buzzard]

I think generals are allowed to resign if they want to. And if they can't support their nation's foreign policies, then they should do just that..

[Not A Snowbird]

Let them go.

[Dallas59]

NAMES PLEASE....

[traderrob6]

"let's get the list - so they can all be fired immediately."

Really, the last thing we need is the miltary elite attempting to overide civialin authority by picking and choosing what battles they choose to be involved in.

[jrooney]

Thank you. Mac is always a must needed stop in the blogsphere.

[cll]

"in my opinion, part of the problem Bush has had in iraq - has to do with the generals - guys like Abizaid - have done poorly."

General Abizaid is a fine Officer. Since before and while he was a Captain in Operation Urgent Fury and beyond.

Please remeber that once you get into the big O's, politics get in the way.

Cheers

[stuartcr]

No, officers are free to tender their resignation whenever they want.

[stuartcr]

Over the years here at FR, I've seen many people say we should let the military do their jobs, ie the ones in charge, and leave the politicians out of it. Now it's different, I guess it just depends on...

[Obadiah]

My guess is that Seymour Butts Hersch is yet again the source for this little anti-Bush smear.

[silverleaf]

I doubt this.

Seriously.

[Spruce]

WE'LL BE FORCED TO DRAFT SOME NEOCON 'GENERALS' TO RUN THE SHOW! THEY KNOW BEST ANYWAY..

What the heck is that supposed to mean? Jack*ss.

[billhilly]

Wesley Clark comes to mind anytime a story of this kind comes along. Generals and Admirals retain their rank in perpetuity and generally their moral authority conferred by their position. In fact, the percentage of Flag rank officers who dishonor their positions of trust are far more rare than members of congress, the press or elected officials at any level.

[tobyhill]

Of course they'll resign, they can make more money on the news channels and writing books criticizing the President.

[Cobra64]

Would this be considered insubordination?

A lot of my friends are retired military.

[Publius6961]

Some of America’s most senior military commanders are prepared to resign if the White House orders a military strike against Iran, according to highly placed defence and intelligence sources.

Insubordination in times of war involves forfeiture of all pay, dishonorable discharge, and cancellation of all benefits, including retirement.

Jail time would be icing on the cake.

I hope these half-dozen generals are men enough to out themselves now, rather than later.

[AngrySpud]

Officers holding "Regular" commissions may indeed submit their resignations. But those resignations don't have to be accepted on the losers' terms. Reassign them to undesirable billets currently filled by lower-ranking officers, belittle them and let the paperwork be done right, taking months, and months, and ...

[leadpenny]

You're probably not going to get an answer from George. He's no longer with us.

[Publius6961]

“There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran,” a source with close ties to British intelligence said. “There is simply no stomach for it in the Pentagon, and a lot of people question whether such an attack would be effective or even possible.”

Well, I will say this.
If occupation is on the agenda the generals may be right.
Just that insubordination is not the proper response. Voluntary early retirement is always an option...

As to the "possible" part? Of course it's possible to attack and destroy their nuclear facilities and all other possible support systems: transportation, communications, ports, highways, bridges, administrative centers...

And then leave and allow them to rebuild their third world paradise.

No invasion or occupation necessary.

The time for winnin their hearts and minds is long past.

[iopscusa]

Abizaid, what a disappointment he has been. I actually thought he was a warrior that understood the culture of the enemy....turns out he may just be another AA/EEO promoted stuffed uniform like Powell or he is not on our side. After seeing him a few times the radar was pinging loudly...too bad...but he has that big fata$$ pension, time to write a stupid book!

[Dave278]

Some lib mediot trying to make news with the made up "sources" scam again.