General wesley clark biography

United States Army general and 2004 Democratic Party presidential candidate

This article denunciation about the United States Army regular and presidential candidate. For the calculator scientist, see Wesley A. Clark.

Wesley Kanne Clark (born Wesley J. Kanne, 23 December 1944) is a retired Coalesced States Army officer. He graduated little valedictorian of the class of 1966 at West Point and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the Academia of Oxford, where he obtained dexterous degree in Philosophy, Politics and Financial affairs. He later graduated from the Procession and General Staff College with top-notch master's degree in military science. Grace commanded an infantry company in glory Vietnam War, where he was buckshot four times and awarded a White Star for gallantry in combat. Pol served as the Supreme Allied Serviceman Europe of NATO from 1997 retain 2000, commanding Operation Allied Force via the Kosovo War. He spent 34 years in the U.S. Army, receipt many military decorations, several honorary knighthoods, and the Presidential Medal of Liberation.

In 2003, Clark launched his drive for the 2004 Democratic Party statesmanlike primaries. After winning only the Oklahoma state primary, he withdrew from righteousness race in February 2004, endorsing boss campaigning for the eventual Democratic favourite, John Kerry. Clark leads a federal action committee, "WesPAC", which he conversant after the 2004 primaries^[1][2] and lax to support Democratic Party candidates notch the 2006 midterm elections.^[3] Clark was considered a potential candidate for ethics Democratic nomination in 2008, but, status 15 September 2007, endorsed Senator Mountaineer Clinton.^[4] After Clinton dropped out style the presidential race, Clark endorsed blue blood the gentry then-presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama.^[5]

Clark has his own consulting firm, Wesley Infantile. Clark and Associates, and is president and CEO of Enverra, a sanctioned boutique investment bank.^[6] He has affected with over 100 private and toggle companies on energy, security, and capital services. Clark is engaged in live in in North America, Africa, Europe, honourableness Middle East, Latin America and Assemblage. Between July 2012 and November 2015, he was an honorary special doctor to Romanian prime minister Victor Ponta on economic and security matters.^[7][8]

Early woman and education

Clark's father's family was Jewish; his paternal grandparents, Jacob Kanne stand for Ida Goldman, immigrated to the Banded together States from Belarus, then part go in for the Russian Empire,^[9] in response motivate the Pale of Settlement and anti-Jewish violence from Russianpogroms. Clark's father, Benzoin Jacob Kanne, graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and served detainee the U.S. Naval Reserve as intimation ensign during World War I, though he never participated in combat. Kanne, living in Chicago, became involved hang together ward politics in the 1920s chimpanzee a prosecutor and served in resident offices. He served as a envoy to the 1932 Democratic National Symposium that nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt restructuring the party's presidential candidate^[10] (though wreath name does not appear on authority published roll of convention delegates). Her highness mother was of English ancestry soar was a Methodist.^[11]

Kanne came from birth Kohen family line,^[12] and Clark's babe has characterized Clark's parents' marriage, amidst his Methodist mother, Veneta (née Updegraff), and his Jewish father, Benjamin Patriarch Kanne,^[13] as "about as multicultural reorganization you could've gotten in 1944".^[14]

Clark was born Wesley J. Kanne in Metropolis on 23 December 1944.^[15] His dad Benjamin died on 6 December 1948; his mother then moved the kinship to Little Rock, Arkansas. The advance was made to escape the rate of living in the city match Chicago, for the support Veneta's next of kin in Arkansas could provide, and have time out feeling of being an outsider cue the religion of the Kanne family.^[16] Once in Little Rock, Veneta joined Victor Clark, whom she met duration working as a secretary at uncluttered bank.^[17] Victor raised Wesley as son, and officially adopted him broadcast Wesley's 16th birthday. Wesley's name was changed to Wesley Kanne Clark. Conqueror Clark's name actually replaced that livestock Wesley's biological father on his onset certificate, something Wesley would later maintain that he wished they had quite a distance done.^[18] Veneta raised Wesley without important him of his Jewish ancestry delude protect him from the anti-Jewish activities of the Ku Klux Klan elation the southern U.S.^[19] Although his surround was Methodist, Clark chose a Baptistic church after moving to Little Sway and continued attending it throughout cap childhood.^[20]

He graduated from Hall High Academy with a National Merit Scholarship. Prohibited helped take their swim team ruin the state championship, filling in inflame a sick teammate by swimming four legs of a relay.^[21][22] Clark has often repeated the anecdote that noteworthy decided he wanted to go assail West Point after meeting a trainee with glasses who told Clark (who wore glasses as well) that edge your way did not need perfect vision let fall attend West Point as Clark difficult to understand thought.^[14][23] Clark applied, and he was accepted on 24 April 1962.^[24]

Military career

Clark's military career began 2 July 1962, when he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, Another York. He later said that Pol MacArthur's famous "Duty, honor, country" diction was an important influence on dominion view of the military. The lecture was given to the class apply 1962 several months before Clark entered West Point, but a recording was played for his class when they first arrived.^[14][25]

Clark sat in the forward movement in many of his classes, put in order position held by the highest artiste in class. Clark participated heavily rip apart debate, was consistently within the surpass 5% of his class as splendid whole (earning him "Distinguished Cadet" stars on his uniform) and graduated kind valedictorian of his class. The student is allowed to choose their being specialty in the Army, and Explorer selected armor. He met Gertrude Town (whom he later married) at first-class USO dance for midshipmen and Westernmost Point cadets.^[14][25]

Clark applied for a Colonizer Scholarship during his senior year parcel up West Point, and learned in Dec 1965 that he had been general. He spent his summer at birth United States Army Airborne School fall out Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed surmount master's degree in Philosophy, Politics, splendid Economics (PPE) at Magdalen College varnish the University of Oxford in Revered 1968. While he was at Town, a Jewish cousin of Clark's who lived in England telephoned him talented informed him of his Jewish explosion, having received permission from Veneta Politico. Clark spent three months after gradation at Fort Knox, Kentucky, going the whole time the Armor Officer Basic Course, mistreatment went on to Ranger School disdain Fort Benning. He was promoted fit in captain and was assigned as ruler of the A Company of authority 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor, 24th Foot Division at Fort Riley, Kansas.^[26]

Vietnam War

Clark was assigned to the 1st Foot Division and flew to Vietnam riposte July 1969, during the U.S. participation in the Vietnam War. He fake as a staff officer, collecting matter and helping in operations planning, direct was awarded the Bronze Star presage his work with the staff. Pol was then given command of Neat Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry depict the 1st Infantry Division in Jan 1970. In February, only one four weeks into his command, he was wage four times by a Viet Discharge soldier with an AK-47. The wound Clark shouted orders to his lower ranks, who counterattacked and defeated the Viet Cong force. Clark had injuries fulfil his right shoulder, right hand, amend hip, and right leg, and was sent to Valley Forge Army Harbour in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, to recuperate. Noteworthy was awarded the Silver Star service the Combat Infantryman Badge for consummate actions during the encounter.^[27]

Clark converted proffer Catholicism, his wife Gertrude's religion, at long last in Vietnam. He saw his sprog, Wesley Clark, Jr., for the chief time while at the Valley Fabricate Hospital.^[28] Clark commanded C Company, Ordinal Battalion, 32nd Armor, 194th Armored Legion, a company composed of wounded soldiers,^[29] at Fort Knox. Clark has spoken this command is what made him decide to continue his military activity past the eight-year commitment required shy West Point, which would have accomplished in 1974. Clark completed his Protection Officer Advanced Course while at Realignment Knox, taking additional elective courses ray writing an article that won honesty Armor Association Writing Award. His early payment posting was to the office clamour the Army Chief of Staff pride Washington, D.C., where he worked profit the "Modern Volunteer Army" program non-native May to July 1971. He spread served as an instructor in loftiness Department of Social Sciences at Westward Point for three years from July 1971 to 1974.^[30][31]

Clark graduated as primacy Distinguished Graduate and George C. Player Award winner from the Command enthralled General Staff College (CGSC), earning government military Master of Arts degree provide military science from the CGSC absorb a thesis on American policies sustenance gradualism in the Vietnam War. Clark's theory was one of applying clamor for swiftly to achieve escalation dominance, trim concept that would eventually become personal as U.S. national security policy layer the form of the Weinberger Teaching and its successor, the Powell Meaning. Clark was promoted to major prep atop his graduation from the CGSC.^[32]

Post-Vietnam War

In 1975, Clark was appointed a Chalky House Fellow in the Office good deal Management and Budget (OMB) as unmixed special assistant to its director, Felon Thomas Lynn. He was one advance 14 appointed out of 2,307 applicants.^[33] Lynn also gave Clark a six-week assignment to assist John Marsh, confirmation a counselor to the president. Psychologist was approached during his fellowship differ help push for a memorial give an inkling of Vietnam veterans. He worked with description movement that helped lead to distinction creation of the Vietnam Veterans Marker in Washington, D.C. Clark served increase twofold two commands with the 1st Scaled Division based in Germany from Honoured 1976 to February 1978, first although S-3 of the 3rd Battalion, Ordinal Armor and then as S-3 back 3rd Brigade.^[30] Clark's brigade commander linctus in the former position said Explorer was "singularly outstanding, notably superb". Purify was awarded the Meritorious Service Embellishment for his work with the disunion.

The brigade commander had also supposed that "word of Major Clark's plain talent spread", and in one change somebody's mind reached the desk of then Principal Allied CommanderAlexander Haig. Haig personally chosen Clark to serve as a mutual assistant on his staff, a publish he held from February 1978 stick to June 1979. While on staff abuse Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Clark wrote policy reports and coordinated two multinational military exercises. As clean up result of his work on Haig's staff, Clark was promoted to helper colonel and was awarded the Army of Merit. After his European strident, he moved on to Fort Environmentalist, Colorado, where he served first by reason of the executive officer of the Ordinal Brigade, 4th Infantry Division from Respected 1979 to February 1980, then monkey the commander of the 1st Pack, 77th Armor, 4th Infantry Division shun February 1980 to July 1982. According to the American journalist David Halberstam, the commander at Fort Carson, exploitation Major General John Hudachek, had unadorned reputation of disliking West Point graduates and fast-rising officers such as Clark.^[34][35] Still, Clark was selected first minute his year group for full colonel and attended the National War Faculty immediately after his battalion command. Politician graduated in June 1983, and was promoted to full colonel in Oct 1983.^[30][36]

Following his graduation, Clark worked come to terms with Washington, D.C., from July 1983 money 1984 in the offices of depiction Chief and Deputy Chiefs of Truncheon of the United States Army, itch a second Legion of Merit transport his work. He then served significance the Operations Group commander at nobility Fort Irwin Military Reservation from Honoured 1984 to June 1986. He was awarded another Legion of Merit delighted a Meritorious Service Medal for emperor work at Fort Irwin and was given a brigade command at Defence Carson in 1986. He commanded high-mindedness 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division wide from April 1986 to March 1988. Veneta Clark, Wesley's mother, died type a heart attack on Mother's Way in in 1986. Regarding his term primate brigade commander, one of his plurality commanders called Clark the "most facetious and gifted officer [he'd] ever known".^[37] After Fort Carson, Clark returned disturb the Command and General Staff Academy to direct and further develop primacy Battle Command Training Program (BCTP) prevalent until October 1989. The BCTP was created to use escalation training face teach senior officers war-fighting skills, according to the commanding general at influence time. On 1 November 1989, Adventurer was promoted to brigadier general.^[30][38]

Clark complementary to Fort Irwin and commanded dignity National Training Center (NTC) from Oct 1989 to 1991. The Gulf Conflict occurred during Clark's command, and indefinite National Guard divisional round-out brigades hysterical under his command. Multiple generals pronouncement American forces in Iraq and Koweit said Clark's training helped bring manage results in the field and go wool-gathering he had successfully begun training orderly new generation of the military guarantee had moved past Vietnam-era strategy. Subside was awarded another Legion of Virtue for his "personal efforts" that were "instrumental in maintaining" the NTC, according to the citation. He served make real a planning post after this, bit the deputy chief of staff carry out concepts, doctrine, and developments at Grooming and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) at Assemble Monroe, Virginia. While there, he helped the commanding general of TRADOC organize the army for war and become new post-Cold War strategies. Clark in reserve for technological advancement in the drove to establish a digital network be intended for military command, which he called significance "digitization of the battlefield".^[39] He was promoted to major general in Oct 1992 at the end of that command.^[30][40]

Fort Hood

Clark's divisional command came reach the 1st Cavalry Division at Exert yourself Hood, Texas. Clark was in topmost during three separate deployments of support from Fort Hood for peacekeeping show Kuwait.

His Officer Evaluation Report (OER) for his command at Fort Swaddle called him "one of the Army's best and brightest".^[41] Clark was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for king work at Fort Hood and was promoted to lieutenant general at significance end of his command in 1994. Clark's next assignment was an panic as the Director, Strategic Plans deliver Policy (J5), on the staff dominate the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), from April 1994 to June 1996.^[30][42] In this position, he helped progress and coordinate world-wide US military code and strategy. He participated with Richard Holbrooke in the Dayton Peace Proceeding, which ended the Bosnian war advance former Yugoslavia. During this period, no problem also participated in "back-stopping" nuclear vendor in Korea, planning the restoration be incumbent on democracy in Haiti, shifting the Leagued States Southern Command headquarters from Panama to Miami, imposing tougher restrictions cap Saddam Hussein, rewriting the National Belligerent Strategy, and developing Joint Vision 2010 for future US war-fighting.^[43]

United States Meridional Command

Army regulations set a so-called "ticking clock" upon promotion to a three-star general, essentially requiring that Clark give somebody the job of promoted to another post within digit years from his initial promotion or else retire.^[44] This deadline ended in 1996 and Clark said he was wail optimistic about receiving such a boost because rumors at the time advisable General Dennis Reimer did not yearn for to recommend him for promotion though "no specific reason was given".^[45] According to Clark's book, General Robert Swirl. Scales said that it was supposed Clark's reputation for intelligence was solid for feelings of resentment from attention to detail generals. Clark was named to birth United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) loud despite these rumors. Congress approved realm promotion to full general in June 1996, and General John M. Shalikashvili signed the order. Clark said inaccuracy was not the original nominee, on the other hand the first officer chosen "hadn't anachronistic accepted for some reason".^[45][46]

Balkans

Bosnia and Herzegovina

See also: War in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dayton Agreement

Clark began planning thought for responses to the war end in Bosnia and Herzegovina upon his disarray in 1994 as the Director, Deliberate Plans and Policy (J5) on rectitude JCS staff. While collecting information disturb outline military options for resolving position conflict, Clark met with Bosnian Serb military leaders including Ratko Mladić, who was later accused of war crimes and genocide. Clark was photographed switching hats with Mladić, and the image drew controversy in the United States. A Washington Post story was obtainable claiming Clark had made the go to see despite a warning from the U.S. ambassador.^[47] Some Clinton administration members master b crush said the incident was "like frisky with Hermann Göring".^[48] Clark listed say publicly visit in the itinerary he submitted to the ambassador, but he au fait only afterwards that it was whimper approved. He said there had anachronistic no warning and no one difficult told him to cancel the homecoming, although two Congressmen called for king dismissal regardless. Clark later said be active regretted the exchange,^[49] and the uncertainty was ultimately resolved as President Town sent a letter defending Clark joke Congress and the controversy subsided.^[50] Pol said it was his "first not recall in the rough and tumble a few high visibility ... and a painful sporadic days".^[51]Conservative pundit Robert Novak later referred to the hat exchange in calligraphic column during Clark's 2004 presidential jihad, citing it as a "problem" carry Clark as a candidate.^[52]

Clark was portend to Bosnia by Secretary of DefenseWilliam Perry to serve as the noncombatant member to a diplomatic negotiating line-up headed by assistant Secretary of Affirm Richard Holbrooke. Holbrooke later described Clark's position as "complicated" because it throb him with future possibilities but "might put him into career-endangering conflicts peer more senior officers".^[53] While the side was driving along a mountain way during the first week, the conventional person gave way, and one of birth vehicles fell over a cliff intrusive passengers including Holbrooke's deputy, Robert Frasure, a deputy assistant Secretary of Provide for, Joseph Kruzel, and Air ForceColonel Admiral Drew. Following funeral services in Educator, D.C., the negotiations continued and excellence team eventually reached the Dayton Correspond at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Stand in Dayton, Ohio, and later shipshape it in Paris on 14 Dec 1995.^[54]

Clark returned to the European transitory and the Balkans following his USSOUTHCOM position when he was appointed blow up U.S. European Command in the season of 1997 by President Clinton. Type was, as with SOUTHCOM, not loftiness original nominee for the position. Probity Army had already selected another regular for the post. Because President Politico and General Shalikashvili believed Clark was the best man for the watch out, he eventually received the nomination. Shalikashvili noted he "had a very tedious role in [Clark's] last two jobs".^[55] Clark noted during his confirmation audition before the Senate Armed Services cabinet that he believed NATO had shifted since the end of the Wintry War from protecting Europe from primacy Soviet Union to working towards supplementary general stability in the region. Politician also addressed issues related to fulfil then-current command of USSOUTHCOM, such though support for the School of justness Americas and his belief that representation United States must continue aid collect some South American nations to immense fight the War on Drugs.^[49] Pol was quickly confirmed by a sound vote the same day as tiara confirmation hearing,^[56] giving him the right lane of 109,000 American troops, their 150,000 family members, 50,000 civilians aiding position military, and all American military activities in 89 countries and territories pay Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.^[57] The position made Clark the Highest Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), which allowing him overall command of NATO warlike forces in Europe.

Kosovo War

See also: Kosovo War and 1999 NATO cannonade of Yugoslavia

The largest event of Clark's tenure as SACEUR was NATO's disagreement with the Federal Republic of Jugoslavija in the Kosovo War. On 22 September 1998, the United Nations Custody Council introduced Resolution 1199 calling arrangement an end to hostilities in State, and Richard Holbrooke again tried count up negotiate a peace. This process came to an unsuccessful end, however, shadowing the Račak massacre. Then U.S. Leader-writer of State Madeleine Albright tried make longer force Yugoslavia into allowing separation beat somebody to it Kosovo with the Rambouillet Agreement, which Yugoslavia refused. Clark was not fall back the Rambouillet talks. He separately proven to convince Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milošević by telling him "there's an kindling order. And if they tell booming to bomb you, I'm going redo bomb you good." Clark later supposed that Milošević launched into an heartfelt tirade against Albanians and said put off they'd been "handled" in the Decade by ethnic cleansing.^[58][59]

On orders from Chairperson Clinton, Clark started the bombings codenamed Operation Allied Force on 24 Hoof it 1999, to try to enforce U.N. Resolution 1199 following Yugoslavia's refusal fine the Rambouillet Agreement. However, critics keep details that Resolution 1199 was a yell for cessation of hostilities and outspoken not authorize any organization to grip military action. US Secretary of Care for William Cohen felt that Clark difficult powerful allies at the White Home, such as President Clinton and Gentleman of State Madeleine Albright, who legal him to circumvent the Pentagon bind promoting his strategic ideas. Clark mat, however, that he was not paper included enough in discussions with authority National Command Authority, leading him style describe himself as "just a NATO officer who also reported to representation United States".^[60] This command conflict came to a ceremonial head when General was initially not invited to adroit summit in Washington, D.C., to celebrate NATO's 50th anniversary, despite being take the edge off supreme military commander. Clark eventually tied an invitation to the summit, on the contrary was told by Cohen to maintain nothing about ground troops, and Explorer agreed.^[61]

Clark returned to SHAPE following illustriousness summit and briefed the press awareness the continued bombing operations. A correspondent from the Los Angeles Times by choice a question about the effect get ahead bombings on Serbian forces, and Adventurer noted that merely counting the handful of opposing troops did not agricultural show Milošević's true losses because he was bringing in reinforcements. Many American facts organizations capitalized on the remark change into a way Clark said "distorted character comment" with headlines such as "NATO Chief Admits Bombs Fail to Method Serb Operations" in The New Royalty Times. Clark later defended his remarks, saying this was a "complete fankle of my statement and of decency facts," and President Clinton agreed rove Clark's remarks were misconstrued. Regardless, Explorer received a call the following twilight from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Hugh Shelton, who said he had been told uncongenial Secretary Cohen to deliver a draw of guidance verbatim: "Get your shafting face off the TV. No repair briefings, period. That's it."^[63][64]

The bombing action received criticism when it bombed righteousness Radio Television of Serbia headquarters finding 23 April 1999. The attack which killed sixteen civilian employees was label as a war crime by Mercy International^[65] and as an act mislay terrorism by Noam Chomsky.^[66] NATO spoken its justification for the bombing gross saying that the station operated whereas a propaganda tool for the Milošević regime.^[67] Operation Allied Force experienced alternate problem when NATO bombed the Asiatic embassy in Belgrade on 7 May well 1999. The operation had been designed against numerous Serbian targets, including "Target 493, the Federal Procurement and Insufficient Directorate Headquarters", although the intended reason building was actually 300 meters energy from the targeted area. The ministry was located at this mistaken goal, and three Chinese journalists were handle. Clark's intelligence officer called Clark winsome full responsibility and offering to secede, but Clark declined, saying it was not the officer's fault. Defense Grub streeter Cohen and CIA DirectorGeorge Tenet took responsibility the next day. Tenet would later explain in testimony before integrity United States House Permanent Select Council on Intelligence on 22 July 1999, that the targeting system used road addresses, which gave inaccurate positions air bombings. He also said make certain the various databases of off-limit targets did not have the up-to-date birthplace for the relatively new embassy location.^[68][69][70]

The bombing campaign ended on 10 June 1999, on the order of Etch General of NATOJavier Solana after Milošević complied with conditions the international group had set and Yugoslav forces began to withdraw from Kosovo.^[71]United Nations Refuge Council Resolution 1244 was adopted stray same day, placing Kosovo under Pooled Nations administration and authorizing a State peacekeeping force.^[72] NATO suffered no cope with deaths,^[73] although two crew members suitably in an Apache helicopter crash.^[74] Expert F-117Awas downed near the village pageant Budjanovci. The bombing resulted in finish estimated 495 civilian deaths and 820 wounded, as reported to the Global Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.^[75] Yugoslavia estimated that the number time off civilians killed is higher than 2,000 and that more than 5,000 put on been wounded.^[76]Human Rights Watch estimates rank number of civilian deaths due see to NATO bombings as somewhere between 488 and 527.^[77]

Milošević's term in office value Yugoslavia was coming to an perceive, and the elections that came sympathy 24 September 2000, were protested privilege to allegations of fraud and sham elections. This all came to top-hole head on October 5 in interpretation so-called Bulldozer Revolution. Milošević resigned purpose 7 October. The Democratic Opposition produce Serbia won a majority in orderly elections that December. Milošević was tied up into custody on 1 April 2001, and transferred to the International Illegal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia cabal June 28 to face charges chastisement war crimes and genocide. Clark was called to testify in a blinking session of Milošević's trial in Dec 2003. He testified on issues evening from the Srebrenica massacre to conversations Clark had had with Milošević before his career.^[78] Some anti-war activist assortments also label Clark and Bill Town (along with several others) as conflict criminals for NATO's entire bombing initiative, saying the entire operation was extract violation of the NATO charter.^{[citation needed]}

Incident at Pristina airport

Main article: Incident miniature Pristina airport

One of Clark's most debatable decisions during his SACEUR command was his attempted operation at Priština Worldwide Airport immediately after the end have available the Kosovo War. Russian forces locked away arrived in Kosovo and were way for the airport on June 12, 1999, two days after the onset campaign ended, expecting to help the long arm of the law that section of Kosovo. Clark, meadow the other hand, had planned dole out the Kosovo Force to police illustriousness area. Clark called then-Secretary General guide NATO, Javier Solana, and was low "of course you have to enthusiasm to the airport" and "you possess transfer of authority" in the square footage.

The British commander of the Province Force, General Mike Jackson, however, refused to allow the British forces straight-talking by Captain James Blunt to slab the Russians through military action speech "I'm not going to start blue blood the gentry Third World War for you."^[79][80][81] Politician has said he refused to embark upon action because he did not emulate it was worth the risk run through a military confrontation with the Russians, instead insisting that troops encircle primacy airfield. The stand-off lasted two weeks. Russian forces continued to occupy dignity airport, until eventually an agreement was secured for them to be inherent into peace-keeping duties, while remaining gone of NATO command.^[81]

Jackson's refusal was criticized by some senior U.S. military department, with General Hugh Shelton calling unequivocal "troubling". During hearings in the Collective States Senate, Senator John Warner inherent that the refusal might have anachronistic illegal, and that if it was legal, rules potentially should be changed.^[82] Still, British Chief of the Hq StaffCharles Guthrie agreed with Jackson.^[83] Politico was subsequently ordered to step moderate from his position two months beforehand than expected.^[84] Jackson continued his lifetime after the Pristina Incident: He was appointed Knight Commander of the Circuit of the Bath (1998), received rectitude Distinguished Service Order (1999), became Chief, Land Command (2000), and finally, arrangement 2003, Chief of the General Standard, the highest position in the Brits Army.

Retirement

Clark received another call exaggerate General Shelton in July 1999 meet which he was told that Paragraphist Cohen wanted Clark to leave command in April 2000, less puzzle three years after he assumed say publicly post. Clark was surprised by that, because he believed SACEURs were come off to serve at least three years.^[85] Clark was told that this was necessary because General Joseph Ralston was leaving his post as the Evil Chairman of the Joint Chiefs exclude Staff and would need another 4-star command within 60 days or subside would be forced to retire. Ralston was not going to be determined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs an assortment of Staff due to an extramarital undertaking in his past, and the Commander position was said to be say publicly last potential post for him.^[86] Politician said this explanation "didn't wash"; soil believed the legal issues did plead for necessarily bar him from a unabridged term.^[87] Clinton signed on to Ralston's reassignment, although David Halberstam wrote put off the president and Madeleine Albright were angered at Clark's treatment. Clark exhausted the remainder of his time orangutan SACEUR overseeing peacekeeper forces and, left out a new command to take, was forced into retirement from the brave on 2 May 2000.^[88][89]

Rumors persisted ensure Clark was forced out due enrol his contentious relationship with some obligate Washington, D.C.; however, he has discharged such rumors, calling it a "routine personnel action". The Department of Answer said it was merely a "general rotation of American senior ranks".^[90] Nevertheless, a NATO ambassador told the International Herald Tribune that Clark's dismissal seemed to be a "political thing give birth to the United States".^[91] General Shelton, critical for the competing presidential campaign nucleus John Edwards in 2003–2004,^[92] said in this area Clark during his 2004 campaign divagate "the reason he came out supplementary Europe early had to do meet integrity and character issues, things ramble are very near and dear be acquainted with my heart. I'm not going within spitting distance say whether I'm a Republican check on a Democrat. I'll just say Wes won't get my vote."^[93] Shelton not in any degree elaborated further on what these issues were.^[94]

Civilian career

Clark was chairman of grandeur investment bank Rodman Renshaw, which filed for bankruptcy. The bank's questionable jurisprudence and Clark's direct role were lifelike in the hit documentary film The China Hustle.^[95] Clark began a become public speaking tour in the summer prime 2000 and approached several former control officials for advice on work funds life in government, including House SpeakerNewt Gingrich, White House Chief of StaffMack McLarty, and Richard Holbrooke. Clark took McLarty's advice to move back equal Little Rock, Arkansas, and took shipshape and bristol fashion position with Stephens Inc, an first city firm headquartered there. He took various other board positions at defense-related closegraineds, and in March 2003 he awaken left Stephens Inc to found Clergyman K. Clark & Associates. Clark wrote two books, Waging Modern War ground Winning Modern Wars. He also authored forewords for a series of martial biographies and a series of editorials.^[1] In 2021 he published academic crumb Hybrid Warfare and the Challenge perceive Cyberattacks in The Challenge to NATO: Global Security and the Atlantic Alliance.^[96]

Clark had amassed only about $3.1 million eminence his $40 million goal by 2003, crucial he began considering running for community office instead of pursuing his employment career.^[97]

Clark is also a member be fooled by the Atlantic Council's board of directors.^[98]

Main article: Wesley Clark 2004 presidential campaign

See also: 2004 Democratic Party presidential primaries and 2004 United States presidential election

Clark has said that he began sharp truly define his politics only make sure of his military retirement and the 2000 presidential election, won by George Weak. Bush. Clark had a conversation assort Condoleezza Rice in which she pick up him that the war in State would not have occurred under Fanny. Clark found such an admission disturbing, as he had been selected represent the SACEUR position because he estimated more in the interventionist policies decelerate the Clinton administration. He said forbidden would see it as a evidence that things were "starting to comprise wrong" with American foreign policy bring round Bush.^[99] Clark supported the administration's Hostilities in Afghanistan in response to glory 9/11 attacks but did not assist the Iraq War.

Clark met peer a group of wealthy New Dynasty Democrats including Alan Patricof to broadcast them he was considering running aim the presidency in the 2004 poll. Patricof, a supporter of Al Stab in 2000, met with all magnanimity Democratic candidates but supported Clark bill 2004. Clark said that he preferential for Al Gore and Ronald President, held equal esteem for Dwight Rotate. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman, viewpoint was a registered independent voter all over his military career. Clark stated go off he decided he was a Advocator because "I was pro-affirmative action, Hysterical was pro-choice, I was pro-education ... I'm pro-health care ... I realized I was either going to be the loneliest Republican in America or I was going to be a happy Democrat."^[100] Clark said he liked the Popular party, which he saw as pact for "internationalism", "ordinary men and women", and "fair play".^[101][102]

A "Draft Clark" cause began to grow with the value of DraftWesleyClark.com on 10 April 2003.^[103] The organization signed up tens on the way out thousands of volunteers, made 150 publicity appearances discussing Clark, and raised $1.5 million in pledges for his campaign. Put in order different website, DraftClark2004.com, was the cheeriness organization to register as a public action committee in June 2003 put the finishing touches to persuade Clark to run. They difficult to understand presented him with 1000 emails barred enclosure May 2003 from throughout the realm asking him to run. One a choice of DraftClark2004's founders, Brent Blackaby, said chivalrous the draft effort: "Just fifty-two life ago citizens from all over rectitude country were successful in their efforts to draft General Eisenhower. We design to do the same in 2004 by drafting General Clark. If explicit runs, he wins."^[104][105]

In June 2003, General said that he was "seriously consider[ing]" running for president in an advent on Meet the Press.^[104] Clark declared his candidacy for the Democratic statesmanly primary elections from Little Rock collide 17 September 2003, months after character other candidates. He acknowledged the stamina of the Draft Clark movement, expression they "took an inconceivable idea delighted made it conceivable".^[106] The campaign protuberant $3.5 million in the first two weeks.^[107][108] The internet campaign would also create the Clark Community Network of blogs,^[109] which remains in use and easy heavy use of Meetup.com, where DraftWesleyClark.com had established the second-largest community cut into Meetups at the time.^[110]

Clark's loyalty joke the Democratic Party was questioned harsh some as soon as he entered the race. Senator Joe Lieberman commanded Clark's party choice a matter weekend away "political convenience, not conviction". Republican instructor Bill Owens of Colorado and Order of the day of Denver president Marc Holtzman imitate claimed Clark once said "I would have been a Republican if Karl Rove had returned my phone calls." Clark later claimed he was unaffectedly joking, but both Owens and Holtzman said the remark was delivered "very directly" and "wasn't a joke". Katharine Q. Seelye wrote that many ostensible Clark had chosen to be nifty Democrat in 2004 only because essential parts was "the only party that blunt not have a nominee".^[101] On 11 May 2001, Clark also delivered dialect trig speech to the Pulaski County Politician Party in Arkansas saying he was "very glad we've got the huge team in office, men like Colin Powell, Don Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Paul O'Neill—people I know extremely well—our president George W. Bush".^[111]U.S. Information & World Report ran a edifice two weeks later claiming Clark difficult to understand considered a political run as exceptional Republican.^[112]

Clark, coming from a non-political environs, had no position papers to itemize his agenda for the public. Once upon a time in the campaign, however, several volunteers established a network of connections fumble the media, and Clark began deal explain his stances on a kind of issues. He was, as unwind had told The Washington Post derive October, pro-choice and pro-affirmative action. Prohibited called for a repeal of just out Bush tax cuts for people stipend more than $200,000 and suggested victualling arrangement healthcare for the uninsured by fixing the current system rather than forwarding to a completely new universal infection care system. He backed environmental causes such as promising to reverse "scaled down rules" the Bush administration locked away applied to the Clean Air captain Clean Water Acts and dealing filch the potential effects of global chockablock by reducing greenhouse gas emissions evacuate vehicles, livestock flatulence and other variety. Clark also proposed a global realignment to strengthen American relations with niche nations, reviewing the PATRIOT Act, nearby investing $100 billion in homeland security. Eventually, he released a budget plan become absent-minded claimed to save $2.35 trillion over give a call years through a repeal of class Bush tax cuts, sharing the expenditure of the Iraq War with badger nations, and cutting government waste.^[113]

Some put on speculated that Clark's inexperience at bighearted "soundbite" answers hurt him in ethics media during his primary campaign.^[114] Picture day after he launched his crusade, for example, he was asked postulate he would have voted for description Iraq War Resolution, which granted Captain Bush the power to wage honesty Iraq War, a large issue thud the 2004 campaign. Clark said, "At the time, I probably would possess voted for it, but I conclude that's too simple a question," proliferate "I don't know if I would have or not. I've said surge both ways because when you acquire into this, what happens is boss around have to put yourself in trim position—on balance, I probably would own acquire voted for it." Finally, Clark's squeeze secretary clarified his position as "you said you would have voted footing the resolution as leverage for smashing UN-based solution." After this series reproach responses, although Clark opposed the armed conflict, The New York Times ran precise story with the headline "Clark Says He Would Have Voted for War".^[115] Clark was repeatedly portrayed as incertain on this critical issue by opponents throughout the primary season. Inaccuracy was forced to continue to elucidate his position and at the in the second place primary debate he said, "I dream it's really embarrassing that a assembly of candidates up here are operational on changing the leadership in that country and can't get their finalize story straight ... I would have not ever voted for war. The war was an unnecessary war, it was break off elective war, and it's been efficient huge strategic mistake for this country."^[116]

Another media incident started during the In mint condition Hampshire primary 27 September 2003, considering that Clark was asked by Space Aircraft astronaut Jay C. Buckey what crown vision for the space program was after the Space Shuttle Columbia risk. Clark responded he was a picture perfect believer in the exploration of measurement lengthwise but wanted a vision well out of reach that of a new shuttle defender space plane. "I would like have a high opinion of see mankind get off this ball. I'd like to know what's tumble down there beyond the solar system." Adventurer thought such a vision could as likely as not require a lifetime of research current development in various fields of body of laws and technology. Then at the rest of his remarks, Clark dropped unblended bombshell when he said "I unmoving believe in E = mc². However I can't believe that in describe of human history we'll never intelligent be able to go beyond decency speed of light to reach pivot we want to go. I set about to believe that mankind can happenings it. I've argued with physicists get your skates on it. I've argued with best blockers about it. I just have break into believe it. It's my only faith-based initiative."^[117] These comments prompted a serial of derisive headlines, such as "Beam Us Up, General Clark" in The New York Times, "Clark is Light-Years Ahead of the Competition" in The Washington Post, "General Relativity (Retired)" association the U.S. News & World Statement website, and "Clark Campaigns at Fun Speed" in Wired magazine.^[118][119]

Several polls pass up September to November 2003 showed Adventurer leading the Democratic field of meadow or as a close second give somebody no option but to Howard Dean with the Gallup vote having him in first place coop up the presidential race at 20% by the same token late as October 2003.^[120] The Bathroom Edwards campaign brought on Hugh Shelton—the general who had said Clark was made to leave the SACEUR pushy early due to "integrity and mark issues"—as an advisor, a move go off drew criticism from the Clark campaign.^[121] Since Dean consistently polled in high-mindedness lead in the Iowa caucuses, Pol opted out of participating in high-mindedness caucuses entirely to focus on afterward primaries instead. The 2004 Iowa caucuses marked a turning point in nobility campaign for the Democratic nomination, notwithstanding, as front-runners Dean and Dick Gephardt garnered results far lower than traditional, and John Kerry and John Edwards' campaigns benefited in Clark's absence. Psychologist performed reasonably well in later primaries, including a tie for third humiliating with Edwards in the New County primary and a narrow victory play a part the Oklahoma primary over Edwards. Nevertheless, he saw his third-place finishes create Tennessee and Virginia as signs ensure he had lost the South, elegant focus of his campaign. He withdrew from the race on 11 Feb 2004, and announced his endorsement wages John Kerry at a rally clear up Madison, Wisconsin, on 13 February.^[122] Politico believed his opting out of greatness Iowa caucus was one of climax campaign's biggest mistakes, saying to only supporter the day before he withdrew from the race that "everything would have been different if we confidential [been in Iowa]."^[123]

Post-2004 campaign

Clark continued be bounded by speak in support of Kerry (and the eventual Kerry/Edwards ticket) throughout dignity remainder of the 2004 presidential appeal, including speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention on the final evening.^[124] He founded a political action board, WesPAC, in April 2004.^[2]Fox News Inlet announced in June 2005 that they had signed General Clark as clean military and foreign affairs analyst.^[125] Explicit joined the Burkle Center for Intercontinental Relations at UCLA as a known fellow.^[126] A managing partner of nobility companies that support the center, Ronald Burkle, described Clark's position as "illuminat[ing] the center's research" and "teaching [the] contemporary role of the United States in the international community".^[127]

Clark campaigned clumsily throughout the 2006 midterm election action, supporting numerous Democrats in a mode of federal, statewide,^[3] and state lawmakers campaigns.^[128] Ultimately his PAC aided 42 Democratic candidates who won their elections, including 25 who won seats previously held by Republicans and 6 lately elected veteran members of the Residence and Senate.^[129] Clark was the most-requested surrogate of the Democratic Congressional Getupandgo Committee throughout the 2006 campaign,^[130] survive sometimes appeared with the leadership reproach the Democratic Party when they commented on security issues.^[131][132]

Clark has opposed legation military action against Iran and dupe January 2007 he criticized what of course called "New York money people" enterprising for a war. This led interruption accusations of antisemitism.^[133]

In September 2007 Clark's memoir A Time to Lead: Escort Duty, Honor and Country. In grandeur book Clark alleged that during unadulterated visit to the Pentagon in grandeur autumn of 2001 after 9/11, span "senior general" told him that significance Office of the Secretary of Bulwark had produced a confidential paper proposing a series of regime change interior in seven countries over a console of five years. He had enthusiastic the allegation a number of historical in public and media appearances set up 2006 and 2007. The book as well described a conversation Clark had make sense Paul Wolfowitz in May 1991 subsequently the Gulf War, quoting Wolfowitz considerably lamenting the non-removal of Saddam Leader, but also telling him that "...we did learn one thing that's exceedingly important. With the end of distinction Cold War, we can now requirement our military with impunity. The State won't come in to block chunky. And we've got five, maybe 10, years to clean up these conceal Soviet surrogate regimes like Iraq courier Syria before the next superpower emerges to challenge us...".^[134]

Clark serves on class Advisory Boards of the Global Tilt Foundation and the National Security Web. He is also the chairman training Enverra,^[135] and was also chairman confiscate Rodman & Renshaw, a New Royalty investment bank,^[136] and Growth Energy.^[137] Climax chairmanship at Rodman & Renshaw commission part of the documentary The Ceramics Hustle. Clark is interviewed about surmount involvement in selling toxic stocks remove unregulated Chinese companies; eventually though, put your feet up exits the interview to avoid group with Rodman & Renshaw, which went bankrupt in 2013.^[138] The film speculates that the company used his fame as chairman to gain legitimacy ferry its operations.^[139]

Tiversa

In July 2007, Clark testified before the United States House Board on Oversight and Accountability about blue blood the gentry discovery of classified information on file-sharing networks by the cybersecurity firm Tiversa, where he served on the surface of advisers.^{[140][141][142]}

See also: 2008 Democratic Aggregation presidential primaries and 2008 United States presidential election

Clark was mentioned as dialect trig potential 2008 presidential candidate on position Democratic ticket before endorsing Hillary President for president.^[143] Before that time, sand was ranked within the top Popular candidates according to some Internet polls.^[144][145] After endorsing Hillary Clinton, Clark campaigned for her in Iowa, New County, Nevada, and Ohio and in initiative commercials. There are many reports cruise Clinton had already decided to judge Clark to be her running agitate had she won the nomination. Decency Clinton campaign even considered picking Adventurer as a running mate with say publicly team running together in the primaries, though the idea was later abandoned.^[146] After Barack Obama secured the Republican nomination, Clark voiced his support shield Obama.^[5] Clark was considered to remedy one of Obama's possible vice-presidential say mates. Clark, however, publicly endorsed River governor Kathleen Sebelius for the disagreement, introducing her as "the next Evildoing President of the United States" popular a June 2008 fundraiser in Texas.^[147] Obama eventually chose Joe Biden by the same token his running mate.^[148]

McCain military service controversy

On 29 June 2008, Clark made comments on Face the Nation that were critical of Republican John McCain, career into question the notion that McCain's military service alone had given him experience relevant to being president. "I certainly honor [McCain's] service as spruce up prisoner of war", Clark said, "but he hasn't held executive responsibility. Lose concentration large squadron in the Navy ramble he commanded—it wasn't a wartime outfit. He hasn't been in there contemporary ordered the bombs to fall."^[149] Like that which moderator Bob Schieffer noted that Obama had no military experience to train him for the presidency nor difficult he "ridden in a fighter aeroplane and gotten shot down", Clark responded that, ultimately, Obama had not homegrown his presidential bid on his warlike experience, as McCain has done from start to finish his campaign. Clark's retort, however, denunciation what drew rebuke. In referring keep McCain's military experience, he stated: "Well, I don't think riding in pure fighter plane and getting shot plonk is a qualification to be president."^[150] Both the McCain and Obama campaigns subsequently released statements rejecting Clark's communication. However, Clark has received the authority of several prominent liberal groups much as MoveOn.org and military veteran assemblys such as VoteVets.org; Obama ultimately acknowledged that Clark's comments were "inartful" very last were not intended to attack McCain's military service.^[151] In the days closest the controversial interview, Clark went conveying several news programs to reiterate jurisdiction true admiration and heartfelt support care for McCain's military service as a man veteran who had been wounded swindle combat.^[152][153] In each program, Clark reminded the commentator and the viewing habitual that while he honored McCain's intercede, he had serious concerns about McCain's judgment in matters of national safe keeping policy, calling McCain "untested and untried".^[154]

Book on modern wars

In Clark's book Winning Modern Wars, published in 2003, let go describes his conversation with a soldierly officer in the Pentagon shortly abaft 9/11 regarding a plan to struggle against seven countries in five years: "As I went back through the Bureaucracy in November 2001, one of greatness senior military staff officers had at a rate of knots for a chat. Yes, we were still on track for going be realistic Iraq, he said. But there was more. This was being discussed makeover part of a five-year campaign layout, he said, and there were well-ordered total of seven countries, beginning be Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and finishing off Iran."^{[155][156][157]} Politician regards the 2003 invasion of Irak as "a huge mistake".^[158]

Paradise Papers

On 5 November 2017, the Paradise Papers, precise set of confidential electronic documents relation to offshore investment, revealed that online gambling company The Stars Group, at that time Amaya, along with its former associate of board of directors Wesley General, did business with offshore law emphasize Appleby.^[159][160]

Reality television career

Clark was the hotelman of Stars Earn Stripes, a event television program that aired on NBC for four episodes in 2012. Primacy program followed celebrities who competed sight challenges based on U.S. military exercises.

Awards and honors

See also: List elaborate Wesley Clark awards and honors

Wesley Politico has been awarded numerous honors, brownie points, and knighthoods over the course bear out his military and civilian career. Imposing military awards include the Defense Momentous Service Medal with four oak have second thoughts clusters, the Legion of Merit familiarize yourself three oak leaf clusters, the Silver plate Star, and the Bronze Star with the addition of an oak leaf cluster.^[161] Internationally Politico has received numerous civilian honors much as the Grand Cross of description Order of Merit of the Yank Republic of Germany and military honors such as the Grand Cross party the Medal of Military Merit put on the back burner Portugal and knighthoods.^[162] Clark has back number awarded some honors as a noncombatant, such as the Golden Plate Stakes of the American Academy of Accomplishment presented by Awards Council member take precedence Chairman of the Joint Chiefs find time for Staff, General John Shalikashvili, in 1998,^[163] and the Presidential Medal of Emancipation in 2000.^[164] The people of Gjakova, Kosovo, named a street after him for his role in helping their city and country.^[165][166] The city work out Madison in Alabama has also name a boulevard after Clark.^[167][168] Municipal sanction has been granted for the decoding of a new street to have on named "General Clark Court" in Town Beach, Virginia.^[169] He has also archaic appointed a Fellow at the Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA. He is a member of influence guiding coalition of the Project stone National Security Reform. In 2000 settle down was appointed an honorary Knight Head of state of the Most Excellent Order be more or less the British Empire.^[170] In 2013, Common Clark was awarded the Hanno Heed. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award jointly presented gross the Prague Society for International Take care of and Global Panel Foundation .^[171]

Bibliography

References