Enter Petraeus

I'm not sure I still understand what Gen. McChrystal's motivation was when talking to an investigative journalist from Rolling Stone-- a magazine that has a lengthy history of printing everything.  Maybe he wasn't thinking and that was ultimately the problem.  Or maybe he just wanted to appear cool and hip in a rock n roll sort of way.  None of it really matters at this point since he's long gone.

Reading some background on the hours until the general met his fate is quite a fascinating read for a boring political guy like me.

The press secretary, Robert Gibbs, walked a copy of it  [the article] to the president in the private quarters. After scanning the first few paragraphs — a sarcastic, profanity-laced description of General McChrystal’s disgust at having to dine with a French minister to brief him about the war — Mr. Obama had read enough, a senior administration official said. He ordered his political and national security aides to convene immediately in the Oval Office.

It was already clear then, this official said, that General McChrystal might not survive. Mr. Obama was leaning toward dismissing him, another administration official said, though he said the president was willing to wait until the general explained his actions, and those of his aides.

The Times goes on to say the president consulted with retired general Colin Powell, amongst many others, before ultimately making his decision to remove McChrystal.  It seems though the president's mind was made up but he wanted to hear other input before making his final decision.  It also seems the general did not make any attempt to lobby for his job.  He apologized and then offered his resignation.  The president accepted.

And then, finally, the president ended General McChrystal’s command in a meeting that lasted only 20 minutes. According to one aide, the general apologized, offered his resignation and did not lobby for his job.

 And that's the way it had to be.