US-IRAQ:
Generals Seek to Reverse Obama Withdrawal Decision

Gareth Porter*

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (IPS) - CENTCOM commander Gen. David Petraeus,
supported by Defence Secretary Robert Gates, tried to convince President
Barack Obama that he had to back down from his campaign pledge to
withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months at an Oval
Office meeting Jan. 21.
But Obama informed Gates, Petraeus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike
Mullen that he wasn't convinced and that he wanted Gates and the
military leaders to come back quickly with a detailed 16-month plan,
according to two sources who have talked with participants in the meeting.

Obama's decision to override Petraeus's recommendation has not ended the
conflict between the president and senior military officers over troop
withdrawal, however. There are indications that Petraeus and his allies
in the military and the Pentagon, including Gen. Ray Odierno, now the
top commander in Iraq, have already begun to try to pressure Obama to
change his withdrawal policy.


Gareth Porter talks to Real News about his investigative piece for IPS.
A network of senior military officers is also reported to be preparing
to support Petraeus and Odierno by mobilising public opinion against
Obama's decision.

Petraeus was visibly unhappy when he left the Oval Office, according to
one of the sources. A White House staffer present at the meeting was
quoted by the source as saying, "Petraeus made the mistake of thinking
he was still dealing with George Bush instead of with Barack Obama."

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Remember the movie, "Seven Days in May"?

:)