No, it was smart to take Kushner to Iraq
At the very least, Dunford got to know Kushner a bit, and Kushner likely learned a bit about the U.S. military.
I’ve seen a lot of criticism of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford for inviting First Son-in-Law Jared Kushner along on a trip to Iraq.
I disagree. At the very least, Dunford got to know Kushner a bit, and Kushner likely learned a bit about the U.S. military. It’s not ideal, but it is reality.
As Kori “What’s the Story?” Schake observed in a tweet, the Pentagon didn’t make Kushner powerful. President Donald Trump did. Dunford is just dealing with the cards a malign fate has dealt him.
Photo credit: Department of Defense
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.