Top US general’s retirement marks turning point in Mideast operations
Will Gen. Joseph Votel's retirement result in the end of US low-budget warfare in the region?
As the Islamic State (IS) conquered much of Iraq nearly five years ago, overtaking the Mosul Dam and marching within striking distance of American diplomats, Army Gen. Joseph Votel faced a nearly impossible mission.
He had just weeks to funnel elite American troops back into Iraq to help coordinate airstrikes to halt the group’s advance. But Votel, then in charge of US special operations, had little support from the White House or Congress to deploy significant American troops and firepower to the fight.
