McChrystal should go. This is far bigger than the war in Afghanistan; it is about the long term civilian authority of the military. That must be maintained.
Members of Congress from both parties should openly and fully support Obama’s decision.
Once McChrystal is out, President Obama must take an honest look in the mirror and at his administration. Leaders of Congress from both parties need to conduct similar self examinations. McChrystal and his staff’s speaking to the press, even under the conditions these conversations occurred, was a major lapse of discipline and regard for civilian authority.
On the Obama and Congressional side of this issue; the underlying lack of respect the Rolling Stone story revealed is a serious problem. Respect is earned and Obama, his administration, and leaders of Congress have failed to earn it from military leaders. That failure is the fundamental finding from the Rolling Stone article.
That is a serious failure.
