It would be unfortunate if General McCrystal left his command in Afghanistan. I believe he is a good man. Joe Biden isn't Dick Cheney if that was the 'measure' for Veeps. Thank God he isn't Cheney.

But, the military will be the military and they measure leadership differently.  They put their lives on the line and that gives them moral authority to pass judgement. 

It is unfortunate the dynamics of Afghanistan has been so blastedly disgusting after nearly a decade of neglect by the previous Executive Branch.

But, there are issues of sorts with the esteem General McCrystal holds his Commander and Chief.  I don't know why exactly, but, I believe it has a lot to do with NATO and their focus of Afghanistan.

There have been comments made in Europe by the General at times that are a bit out of line with the current methodology of this White House and it may be out of step with the State Department's efforts as well.  But, they are 'soldiers comments' and show a more aggressive approach to the combat theater.  Sometimes, to allow such 'dissonance' is simply respect for the 'four stripes' on the General's sleeve.

It would have been better if this General and this President were able to speak 'on message' to achieve the goals of the best outcomes in Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan and its Poppy Economy has to be an irritant to General McCrystal, but, in his judgement to rattle that apart in order to achieve some idea of 'moral content' to that country would be to cause greater gaps in loyalties to the current government by citizens and place soldiers in greater danger.

The 'side effect' may be an Afghan soldier sadly unable to protect Afghanistan due to substance abuse.

Permitting a Poppy Economy is Anti-American and in some corners of the military and possibly the administration that may be ridiculed.  We don't know if General McCrystal and his staff have been putting up with 'sore comments' either.  It could be there are many 'aggravations' to the comments by General McCrystal's staff and him as well.  It seems completely obvious the 'culture' currently at work within and about the Afghanistan War isn't good for anyone.  Unfortunately, it might be enough to destroy the relationship between the General and the President.

General McCrystal is a remarkable military officer.  It might be the hubris has taken on a life of its own.  The question is, will the President find any prolonged 'difference' between the two more than he is willing to tolerate.  It might be that General McCrystal might see it the same way.