THE US military's advice to President Barack Obama on Afghanistan should remain private, Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said, in a rebuke to the commander who has openly declared his stance on war strategy.
Referring to pivotal White House discussions on the war, Mr Gates said: "It is imperative that all of us taking part in these deliberations, civilians and military alike, provide our best advice to the president, candidly but privately.''
Although Mr Gates did not mention General Stanley McChrystal by name, his remark appeared aimed at the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan who has made his views on strategy known in media interviews and a high-profile speech in London last week.
Mr Gates's comment, delivered in an address to the Association of the US Army, echoed criticism on Sunday from retired general James Jones, Mr Obama's national security adviser.
Mr Jones told CNN on Sunday: "It is better for military advice to come up through the chain of command.'' |