Gates sharply criticizes McChrystal but tight-lipped on future

Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday questioned the judgment of the commanding general of allied forces in Afghanistan, Stanley McChrystal, for criticizing the Obama administration's strategy there. 

But Gates, the top civilian official at the Pentagon, did not give clues as to whether or not the administration will ask McChrystal to leave his post. 

"I believe that Gen. McChrystal made a significant mistake and exercised poor judgment in this case," he said in a statement. "We are fighting a war against al Qaeda and its extremist allies, who directly threaten the United States, Afghanistan, and our friends and allies around the world. Going forward, we must pursue this mission with a unity of purpose." 

McChrystal has come under fire from members of Congress for criticizing administration officials to a reporter for an article that will appear in the edition of Rolling Stone magazine that will hit newsstands Friday. 

His aides also offered negative comments about President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other officials. 

The general has since apologized for the piece and has been summoned to Washington by a reportedly angry Obama. 

Some have said that McChrystal violated the military chain of command for making his criticisms of the administration public. 

Despite their criticism, most lawmakers have turned to Obama and Gates to make a decision as to McChrystal's future. Gates said that he will discuss the matter with him when he arrives in the nation's capital. 

"General McChrystal has apologized to me and is similarly reaching out to others named in this article to apologize to them as well," he said. "I have recalled General McChrystal to Washington to discuss this in person."

---