Army 2-star fired for criticizing Afghans

**vector7** · November 6th, 2011, 18:41

Companion Post:

Afghanistan to back Pakistan if wars with U.S.: Karzai

Army 2-star fired for criticizing Afghans

Staff writer
Posted : Friday Nov 4, 2011 17:54:09 EDT

Staff file photo Army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller was quoted criticizing Afghan leaders, including President Hamid Karzai, saying they were “isolated from reality.”

Army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller was fired Friday for comments attributed to him in Politico.

Gen. John R. Allen, commander of International Security Assistance Force, relieved Fuller, effective immediately, as deputy commander for Programs, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.

More from Fuller
Army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller appeared on “This Week in Defense News” only days before his Politico comments.
• Segment 1
• Segment 2

Fuller was in Washington for a series of briefings at the Pentagon and Congress on the progress of training the Afghans to take over security in their own country.

Politico quoted Fuller criticizing Afghan leaders — and President Hamid Karzai — saying they were “isolated from reality.”

Allen’s reaction was swift and severe: “These unfortunate comments are neither indicative of our current solid relationship with the government of Afghanistan, its leadership, or our joint commitment to prevail here in Afghanistan,” he said. “The Afghan people are an honorable people, and comments such as these will not keep us from accomplishing our most critical and shared mission — bringing about a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”

According to Politico, Fuller slammed Karzai for saying Afghanistan would side with Pakistan in a war against the U.S.

Politico quoted Fuller saying of Karzai: “Why don’t you just poke me in the eye with a needle! You’ve got to be kidding me … I’m sorry, we just gave you $11.6 billion and now you’re telling me, ‘I don’t really care’?”

Fuller could not be reached for comment by presstime.

**American Patriot** · November 6th, 2011, 18:47

Not being politically correct obviously in this day and age has it's problems. When you talk to a general, someone close to the Joint Chiefs, who are close to the President and he is telling it like it is, you should be LISTENING to him.

General officer appointments (like most officer appointments) are made at the discretion of the President of the United States. They are political appointments and as such tend to carry the weight of what a President says or believes. If you are a regular guy and have a mind of your own, it's not going to be EASY to stay a General in the US Armed forces, especially if you DISAGREE with the current political spectrum.

This is why I have such a hard time with being in and around the military these days. MY views are NOT wanted by the current administration, just as this General's statements weren't wanted. he was fired basically because he disagrees with the State Department and President of the United States.

He spoke out against Muslims, in their eyes... rather than the stupidity of Karzai...

**Ryan Ruck** · November 6th, 2011, 21:48

So how many generals have gotten the sack now under Obama?

This guy, McChrystal, Petraeus (moved off to another job), and I think one or two more whose names I can't think of.

If one were a tin-foiler, one might think the military brass are being purged.

**American Patriot** · November 7th, 2011, 14:40

I'm NOT a tin hat guy. The military IS being purged.

**Ryan Ruck** · November 7th, 2011, 16:25

Don't worry, you're in good company Rick.

Also, went and looked up who else had been removed by Obama and found General McKiernan.

**vector7** · November 7th, 2011, 16:25

Companion Threads:

**Luke** · November 9th, 2011, 20:32

Another reason why politicians should stay out of military matters. On the other hand it is evidently harmful to a military career to express your beliefs if it is contrary to Congressional beliefs.