The reserve soldiers are calling for their prime minister to step down because, they said, there was “no leadership” and they were inadequately trained for their mission in Lebanon. What effect will this call have on Olmert’s standing? Well, it seems to depend on whether or not he’s “The Decider,” and whether he’s the one who decides what’s best.


N.Y. Times:

JERUSALEM, Aug. 21 ? A group of reservist soldiers, angry about the conduct of the war in Lebanon, carried out a protest today demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Amir Peretz and the army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz.

One of the marchers, Roni Zwiegenboim of the Alexandroni Brigade, said, ?Beyond the whole issue of the ammunition, the food and the water that wasn?t, the issue was that there was no leadership.? He added with disgust, ?In the end it was just a mess and it all starts at the top.?

The reservists, most of whom have gone back to civilian life, say that their training has been inadequate and that they were sent into Lebanon with unclear missions, inadequate supplies, outdated equipment and a lack of basics, like drinking water.

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