Did McChrystal speak out to get out?

Pub date June 24, 2010
WriterSarah Phelan
SectionPolitics Blog

Of all the theories  about why McChrystal let his hair down in front of a reporter no less, the idea that he did it to get the hell out of “Chaos-istan” may be the most credible. On the other hand, McChrystal sounds like the kind of guy who wouldn’t want to see his men (and women) put in harm’s way, if he wasn’t around to support them. But today’s announcement that Petraeus supports a July 2011 withdrawal deadline means any perceived failure will ultimately end up pinned to Petraeus tail.