Michael Hastings on "Replacing McChrystal: Can Petraeus Win the War?"

"Runaway General" writer Michael Hastings on whether President Obama's decision will solve the real problem in Afghanistan. (Rolling Stone):

President Obama, in announcing the replacement of Gen. Stanley McChrystal moments ago, sought to reassure the American people about the war in Afghanistan. "This is a change in personnel," he declared, "but not a change in policy."

That's precisely the problem.

Changing generals isn't likely to resolve the real trouble in Afghanistan: the fundamental flaws in the U.S. strategy of counterinsurgency. MORE...