[ZenGum]

From what I've seen (only the TV highlights) the worst things are attributed to "an aide" or "an unnamed source". McChrystal's comments are still out of line, though.

Politically, Obama probably has to fire him, else Obama looks like a loser. Militarily, McChrystal planned the whole counterinsurgency surge and is the best person to run it.
That he doesn't think much of the politicians is a reasonable personal opinion to have, provided he gets on with the job he has taken on, which he is. The only problem was saying it in front of a reporter.
The comments in this thread really strike me - UT, Bruce, and especially Merc. It reminds me of when Walter Cronkite started questioning the Vietnam war after seeing the South Vietnamese Police chief execute/murder the VC prisoner. People who have supported the war - in various degrees - looking very critically at it.

The only plan I can think of is to complete the surge, start a draw down in (say) mid 2011, and be gone by the end of that year. The key is to announce it now. "Hey, Karzai, and any Afghans who don't want to be ruled by the talleban, you better get your act together, cause we're leaving soon, ready or not." Otherwise they will drag their feet and cling to us for as long as they can.