Why Won't Obama "Listen to the Generals" in War on Terror?

The cancer of Islamic terrorism has spread 4 fold in five years while Obama dithers!

Remember how Dems used to tell President Bush "listen to the generals" who were critical of the Iraq War? (1,2) Why don't they say that to Obama?

In April 2007 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blasted President Bush for his handling of the Iraq War:

REID: Now in the fifth year of President Bush’s mismanagement and mistakes, there is no magic formula. But, there is a way forward that gives us our best chance for a responsible end to the war – that protects our strategic interests, strengthens our security, and brings our troops home.

That way forward is being forged today in Congress, with the help and advice of Democrats and Republicans, civilian experts and retired generals, as well as the good judgment of the American people, who have made their voices heard loud and clear.

Reid demanded that Bush listen to the generals, to congress and to the American people. Of course Reid was wrong in opposing the Surge as history proved. But at least Bush had a plan. Does anyone think Obama has a plan? Many of his own former generals and Secretary's of Defense don't think so. Former Sec. Defense Leon Panetta said we "paid a price" for Obama's mistakes. General James Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps declared Obama's plan hasn't got "a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding."

Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, former commander of the U.S. Central Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week and said we need :"to adapt to changing circumstances, to come out now from our reactive crouch and take a firm, strategic stance in defense of our values."

Yet it is that "reactive crouch" that seems to be Obama's only plan. By now it's a cliche to point out that Obama has trouble identifying exactly who it is we are fighting. He cannot say the words "Islamic terrorism." General Flynn who retired early as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (the Pentagon's version of the CIA) because of conflicts with the Obama White House slammed Obama's policy last week saying "You cannot defeat an enemy you do not admit exists."

It is clear that Obama is in denial about the nature of Islamic terrorism and it's growing reach. As proof retired 4-star General Jack Keane, former Vice Chief of the Army told Congress that Islamic terrorist organizations had multiplied "four fold in five years." All while Obama was Commander in Chief! In news interviews Gen. Keane shows the following chart:


For some perspective on just how fast the threat is spreading look at these maps of Syria. Does it look like Obama's Syria policy is working? Only if you think his policy is to lose to the terrorists!

President Bush demonstrated he had the courage and ability to overcome enormous challenges and lead the United States and our coalition partners to victory in Iraq. Obama is faced with a similar challenge. There is no indication he intends to listen to the generals, to Congress or to the American people. There is nothing to indicate he even understands how serious the situation has become!