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18 Apr 2011 15:29

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Politics: Pentagon inquiry clears McChrystal over Rolling Stone article

  • Rolling Stone vs. the Pentagon: A Pentagon inquiry into the Rolling Stone article “The Runaway General,” which was written by Michael Hastings and basically got Stanley McChrystal fired, has by their claims vindicated the former General. They said they were unable to verify the accuracy of the events detailed, and that in many areas they could find no witnesses to corroborate the claims. Hastings and his editors aren’t having it, however; they stand behind the accuracy of the piece, making this something of a murky, “my word versus yours” scenario. Said Rolling Stone Executive Editor Eric Bates: “It’s accurate in every detail.” source

14 Apr 2011 14:38

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Politics: New gig for Stanley McChrystal = Upsetting Pat Tillman’s mom

  • Mary Tillman furious at McChrystal’s new gig: President Obama appointed former General Stanley McChrystal to lead an advisory panel on military families, and the struggles they face when their kin are in combat. Mary Tillman, mother of Pat Tillman, the ex-NFL ranger famously killed by friendly fire (a fact the military, and allegedly McChrystal himself, had sought to hide) in Afghanistan, expressed outrage. “[McChrystal] deliberately helped cover up Pat’s death and he has never adequately apologized to us for doing that… I think it’s a slap in the face to all soldiers to appoint this man to be on this committee.” source

04 Jul 2010 10:52

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U.S.: David Petraeus jumps into Afghanistan just in time for the Fourth

  • We are in this to win. We have arrived at a critical moment.
  • Gen. David Petraeus • Speaking to his Afghan troops on the Fourth of July (of all days), his first official day of service in the region. It’s been a difficult month in the region, with more coalition casualties in June than at any period since the war began. Petraeus reflected that in his speech. “As you and our Afghan partners on the ground get into tough situations, we must employ all assets to ensure your safety,” he said, “keeping in mind, again, the importance of avoiding civilian casualties.” source

03 Jul 2010 02:45

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U.S.: Well, duh: Robert Gates wants no repeats of McChrystal’s Folly

  • Gates’ staff wrote up some new marching orders for dealing with media. Just in time! As members of the media, we would agree that the level of access Rolling Stone got with Stanley McChrystal was shocking, given the nature of his job. Now, leaders have to notify the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for public affairs prior to high-profile or high-impact interviews. Which means, in layman’s turns, they have to call the military’s PR department and ask if it’s a good idea. It was being worked on prior to the article, surprisingly. source

30 Jun 2010 10:00

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U.S.: Obama stays classy with Stanley McChrystal, guarantees his pension

  • classless Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s staff absolutely rips on the Obama administration and its civilian staff in Afghanistan in a Rolling Stone article. Everyone freaks.
  • classy Despite getting McChyrstal’s resignation over the incident, the president guarantees the four-star general will retire like one. Good move, Obama. source

28 Jun 2010 21:42

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U.S.: After Rolling Stone, what’s Stanley McChrystal’s next move?

  • NONE bro’s retiring from the Army, of course source

24 Jun 2010 11:04

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U.S.: Did Robert Gates want to keep Gen. Stanley McChrystal?

  • YES at least that’s what CNN’s source says source
 

23 Jun 2010 21:37

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U.S.: Some key numbers from the whole Stanley McChrystal thang

  • 40minutes, the length of the interview David Patraeus got
  • six days ago, the White House got some fact-checking calls from Rolling Stone
  • 48 hours ago, the article came out (though Rolling Stone sat on the hit machine at first, idiots)
  • <30 number of minutes it took Obama to talk it through with Stanley McChrystal source

23 Jun 2010 09:43

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U.S.: Gen. Stanley McChrystal could have his ass handed to him, guys

  • He’s in the midst of meeting with Obama this morning. Will he lose his position? Well, Obama wants a list of replacements. We’re guessing it’ll be people who aren’t loyal to McChrystal. It does not look good for the dude. The Pentagon would prefer that he be reprimanded but allowed to continue. Obama and McChrystal are meeting now. This is what happens when you do an article in a magazine that gives a general as much press as Lady Gaga. source

22 Jun 2010 20:37

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U.S.: As the McChrystal turns: He might resign if Obama thinks he should

  • I think it’s clear that the article in which he and his team appeared showed poor judgment, but I also want to make sure that I talk to him directly before I make that final decision.
  • President Barack Obama • Speaking today about the fate of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, his main man in Afghanistan, who was savaged in this wonderful Rolling Stone article which was so effective that it might force the general to resign. While some argue that the structure is working against him, those same people say his reaction to that structure is still enough to force his resignation. Showing disloyalty to the president is a fireable offense in the world of Stanley McChrystal. Somehow this story managed to get the oil spill out of the news for the day, despite there being oil spill news today. How the hell did that happen? source