PRESS RELEASE

Where Does McCain Stand on Petraeus Violating Military Chain of Command?

April 25, 2008 (EIRNS)—This release was issued yesterday by the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee (LPAC).

Now that Gen. David Petraeus has been appointed as the head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), military leaders are expressing a grave concern that this will even further destroy the chain of command in the U.S. military by extending the direct "stovepipe" from Petraeus to President George Bush that has been operating in Iraq. The appointment of Petraeus to this post, and the resignation of Admiral William Fallon, his predecessor, were both forced by Dick Cheney, report informed Washington sources.

Lyndon LaRouche asks, "Where does John McCain stand on this issue of the chain of command?" As a veteran, former officer, and former prisoner of war, McCain is well-aware of the folly of making military deployments based on political agendas, especially from this White House, which forced out competent military leaders like Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Eric Shinseki because he dared to warn that the U.S. was going into Iraq with insufficient troops. McCain blindly supports Cheney's agenda in Iraq—especially the "hundred year" occupation.

Petraeus, while he was commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq, had a direct line to the White House, bypassing the CENTCOM commander, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and thereby avoiding and bypassing the concerns of seasoned and experienced military leaders. As CENTCOM commander, Petraeus will oversee all of Southwest Asia, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Africa. He would be the lead military figure if Dick Cheney is able to implement his goal of war against Iran before this administration leaves office.