The link to the video is in the post below this one.
Naturally I’m going to talk about General Mattis.
My little bots came trotting home yesterday with a headline and article by Jason Ditz over at antiwar.com that was an irresponsible misrepresentation of Mattis’ testimony. If you want to read it you can copy this and paste it in your search bar, I’m not going to link to it. ( Centcom Chief Rejects Diplomacy, Says Iran Must Be ‘Brought to Its Knees’ )
Ditz’s characterization of General Mattis as “marketing” Iran’s threat is wrong. Mattis answered each question with authority and rational dispassion. Just as a professional should!
Here’s the last paragraph of Ditz’s article:
Mattis went on to hype the “threat” posed by Iran’s “nuclear industry,” insisting that the nation could be the spark that sets off a disastrous region-wide conflict. Given the general’s own comments, it seems a safe bet that the US would be the ones firing the first shots in any such conflict.
The danger with someone like Ditz is part of the public will think he’s an authority and believe the men in charge of protecting this nation are juggernauts, and not well educated on the areas they are responsible for. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Everyone who reads me knows James N. Mattis is one of the world’s authorities on the Middle East, in every subject: history, economics, religion, anthropology, military, you name it and he’s studied it. If he doesn’t know something he consults all manner of experts from all walks of life. He employs his knowledge to find solutions to prevent war in the region. Let me say it again, TO PREVENT WAR in the region.
What did General Mattis really say about diplomacy with Iran? At one point he said he fully supported the full funding of our State Department otherwise we’d be buying more ammunition. He also made the following comments at 1 hour, 3 minutes and 37 seconds into the video. He NEVER rejected diplomacy, and he never does. He only employs war as a last resort.
“I fully support the economic sanctions. I fully support the diplomatic isolation and accruing the international community’s support to try to stop this (Iran getting a nuclear weapon.) I believe they are trying to buy time with the negotiations, but that should not be, in any way, construed that we should not try to negotiate. I still support the direction we’re taking.” Then he finishes that comment with “I’m paid to take a dim view of the Iranians, frankly.”
More importantly he goes on to speak about Iran’s legitimate security concerns. Ditz would like for everyone to think our military never considers the well being of our adversaries. But that would be shortsighted, because even if we go to war, we will eventually have to employ diplomacy in the aftermath of that war. Ditz wants you to think our military are all knuckledraggers – he’s wrong. Now let’s read Mattis’ testimony about Iran’s legitimate security concerns.
“I believe that in some ways we have to recognize Iran’s legitimate security interests so they are not put in a position to use illegitimate means, such as we are observing, to address their legitimate security interests, and I think we continue everything we’re doing right now. But as the President has said, he’s taken no option off the table and my roll is to provide him with military options.”
One of the most important points made by General Mattis is that a holistic approach must be taken. That is pragmatic, not bellicose. At every moment Mattis is wanting a diplomatic solution, but it’s his job be prepared for military action if the time comes when the President decides diplomacy has failed.
…and Ditz, it’s the President who makes the decision on war, not the generals.
. . .
A side note to my Favorite Four Star:
So really, ya think you get to retire? You better do that fishing fast because as one senator eluded, you’ll be in demand post retirement. They’re not going to let that brain of yours rest.(~giggle!) The Shoup Principle will go into effect, and as it states (thank you Col Alexander): “If you are qualified, fate has a way of getting you to the right place at the right time.”
Share your thoughts