Hmmm....
Ken,
It would certainly be foolhardy to dismiss his claim without due dilligence, but this also reminds me of the NBA Ref (Tim Dunaghee sic) who alleged the NBA HQ influenced refs to help LA win a Western Conference Championship Game (game 6) against Sacramento. A compelling story/narrative after the fact, the performance of refs was questioned.
Not saying US is above making deals with unsavory people for the sake of expedience (perceived greater good) - we've been there and done that. Then again, always easier to build a compelling story/narrative after the fact weaving truth to provide credability to a false story.
That said, i can't imagine Holbrooke is so stupid as to leave fingerprints on something like this and he will win a he said - he said situation.
Unfortunately, I've experienced that the more senior people violate the basic principles that I used as a focal point for counseling new LTs as they in-processed.
1. You are here to learn, listen to NCOs - presume they know what they are talking about until proven otherwise
2. Don't assume they guy before you was a dumbass, fall in on SOP and adopt until you know enough to make an informed decision.
3. Most importantly - you are the moral arbiter of your platoon. Your job is to choose the tough right over the easy wrong - this rule takes precedence over the first two.
Live well and row
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