12/20/18: Trump’s sudden decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan is so brilliant that Defense Secretary James Mattis resigns the next day. If you read his resignation letter, the former four-star general didn’t waste two consonants and one vowel in praise of his boss.
In fact, his letter is a stinging rebuke:
One core belief I have always
held is that our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the
strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships.
While the US remains the indispensable nation in the free world, we cannot
protect our interests or serve that role effectively without maintaining strong
alliances and showing respect to those allies. Like you, I have said from the
beginning that the armed forces of the United States should not be the
policeman of the world. Instead, we must use all tools of American power to
provide for the common defense, including providing effective leadership to our
alliances. NATO's 29 democracies demonstrated that strength in their commitment
to fighting alongside us following the 9-11 attack on America. The Defeat-ISIS
coalition of 74 nations is further proof…
It is clear that China and
Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian
model - gaining veto authority over other nations’ economic, diplomatic, and
security decisions - to promote their own interests at the expense of their
neighbors, America and our allies. That is why we must use all the tools of
American power to provide for the common defense.
My views on treating allies with
respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic
competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in
these issues…
Because you have the right to
have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these
and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.
…I very much appreciate this
opportunity to serve the nation and our men and women in uniform.
His resignation, Secretary
Mattis says, will be effective February 28.
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NATO forces, including German troops, helped us in Afghanistan. |
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