A Look At James Mattis’s First Year As Defense Secretary

Via Weasel Zippers

Getting rid of a feckless, liberal Democrat commander-in-chief was the first step. What on earth were Obama's motives for micro-managing the war, other than making sure his left-wing base didn't complain? TD

Washington Reacts to a Year of C.H.A.O.S.  "It has been over a year since retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis took the oath of office as secretary of defense.

"Despite what his old call sign of “Chaos” implies, which actually stands for Colonel Has An Outstanding Solution, and while it was made tongue-and-cheek at the time, it brings a mantra that many in the military and civilian population hoped Mattis would take with him to his new job.

"Approved overwhelmingly for the Cabinet position —Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) was the sole dissenting vote and who did not respond to multiple requests for comment — the majority thinking in “the Swamp” was that Mattis would be one of the best in Trump's administration.

"His first year has been marked with significant accomplishments, and he continues to enjoy being the most popular member of Trump's Cabinet. IJR was able to get comments from members of Congress and others to see how they think he has done so far." . . .  Read the full article...

Excerpts here:

ISIS: If there’s one thing members of Congress can agree on, it’s that Mattis has successfully overseen the near-destruction of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Iran: Hunter: Obama was good for the Iranians, plain and simple. Mattis is not and Trump is not, [however] Iran is not an existential threat to the United States right now. North Korea is. 

North Korea: With Trump taking a more-vocal approach in dealing with North Korea, Mattis has taken a supportive role to help Secretary of State Rex Tillerson find a peaceful solution in the region. White said this allows U.S. diplomats to “negotiate from a position of strength.”

 Transgender Military Ban: . . . Those interviewed all agreed Mattis has handled the delicate situation just as he does with any other subject, with professionalism:" . . .

More....