More on the question of Gen. Stanley McChrystal testifying to Congress, as the GOP leadership, Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) and now Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) all
“„“Secretary Gates still believes General McChrystal’s focus right now should be on managing the war in Afghanistan rather than wading into the debate about it back here in Washington. There may be a time when he can add to the discussion beyond what his assessment already has, but the first order of business is for the President and his national security team to carefully consider the assessment and the way ahead. The department is working closely with Congressional defense committees to keep them informed of this process as it unfolds and our discussions with them will also determine what makes sense in terms of further briefings or even hearings once the President’s review of the assessment has been completed.”
“„Senator Levin has said that calling General McChrystal, General Petraeus, and Admiral Stavridis in to testify at this stage would be premature. He has said that he will call military and civilian witnesses to testify before the committee once commanders in Afghanistan have made their recommendations, which they have not yet made, and after the recommendations have been reviewed by the chain of command.