General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, apologized Tuesday following reports that the four-star general mocked members of the Obama administration’s security team during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
"I extend my sincerest apology for this profile. It was a mistake reflecting poor judgment and should never have happened,” McChrystal said in a written statement. “I have enormous respect and admiration for President Obama and his national security team, and for the civilian leaders and troops fighting this war and I remain committed to ensuring its successful outcome."
The Rolling Stone profile, which will be released later this week, reportedly features the commander describing White House officials as “wimps” and stating that he felt betrayed after Afghan Ambassador Karl Eikenberry cast doubts on the Karzai government in a leaked memo. Aides for McChrystal were also included in the article describing National Security Adviser James L. Jones as a “clown” and joining McChrystal in mocking Vice President Joe Biden.
White House officials told the Associated Press that administration has asked McChrystal to attend Wednesday’s security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan in person to explain his comments. McChrystal usually joins in via satellite-video.
McChrystal assumed the role of Afghan commander last summer. He was a key architect of the decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.
McChrystal Apologizes For Controversial Remarks, Cites Poor Judgment
"I extend my sincerest apology for this profile. It was a mistake reflecting poor judgment and should never have happened,” McChrystal said in a written statement. “I have enormous respect and admiration for President Obama and his national security team, and for the civilian leaders and troops fighting this war and I remain committed to ensuring its successful outcome."
The Rolling Stone profile, which will be released later this week, reportedly features the commander describing White House officials as “wimps” and stating that he felt betrayed after Afghan Ambassador Karl Eikenberry cast doubts on the Karzai government in a leaked memo. Aides for McChrystal were also included in the article describing National Security Adviser James L. Jones as a “clown” and joining McChrystal in mocking Vice President Joe Biden.
White House officials told the Associated Press that administration has asked McChrystal to attend Wednesday’s security meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan in person to explain his comments. McChrystal usually joins in via satellite-video.
McChrystal assumed the role of Afghan commander last summer. He was a key architect of the decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.