https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/08/17/just-attacking-in-another-direction/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usThu, 11 Jun 2026 00:04:30 -0400<![CDATA[The events are not in dispute. Wikipedia says that &#8220;On May 11, 2009, Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked for McKiernan&#8217;s resignation from ISAF and USFOR-A. Gates said new leadership was needed as the administration of President Barack Obama launched a new strategy in the seven-year-old Afghanistan war.&#8221; But the reasons are: the background of the decision to replace McKiernan are still unclear. Now, the Washington Post describes the firing of the top US Commander in Afghanistan in more detail. It hints that Gen. David D. McKiernan lacked political savvy and something else, though the account remains unsatisfyingly vague. The article doesn&#8217;t exactly say exactly what the strategic differences between McKiernan and his superiors were, but notes there is still disagreement among their sources over whether he &#8220;merited his dismissal&#8221;.]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:01:20 -0400<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2009/08/17/just-attacking-in-another-direction-n188975