Who Should Run The Wars: Generals Or The People?

Who Should Run The Wars: Generals Or The People?

So who should we look to in making decisions regarding war, the generals or the people (assuming the views conflict)?

A current example is in Iraq. General Petraeus delivered his report to Congress. He reported that the latest surge in Iraq was working, and that we could draw down forces by 30,000 in the next 1/2 year. But Senator Reid (leader of the Senate Democrats) says that the people disagree and therefore we should draw down more. General Petraeus warns that doing so would likely result in failure.

https://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8...&show_article=1

So who should decide?

A similar example is during the American revolutionary war. At various times, the politicians (representing the people) wanted to do things contrary to General Washington's suggestions. They often did not fully fund the war. Ultimate, General Washington did what he felt was best, even when the "people" did not agree.