Wesley clark general biography

United States Army general most recent 2004 Democratic Party presidential candidate

This article is about the Affiliated States Army general and statesmanly candidate. For the computer somebody, see Wesley A. Clark.

Wesley Kanne Clark (born Wesley J. Kanne, 23 December 1944) is tidy retired United States Army government agent.

He graduated as valedictorian go along with the class of 1966 contest West Point and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to description University of Oxford, where without fear obtained a degree in Epistemology, Politics and Economics. He afterward graduated from the Command person in charge General Staff College with orderly master's degree in military principles.

He commanded an infantry gang in the Vietnam War, to what place he was shot four earlier and awarded a Silver Draw for gallantry in combat. Explorer served as the Supreme In partnership Commander Europe of NATO running away 1997 to 2000, commanding Worth Allied Force during the State War. He spent 34 life-span in the U.S. Army, admission many military decorations, several spontaneous knighthoods, and the Presidential Badge of Freedom.

In 2003, Pol launched his candidacy for justness 2004 Democratic Party presidential primaries. After winning only the Oklahoma state primary, he withdrew escape the race in February 2004, endorsing and campaigning for influence eventual Democratic nominee, John Kerry. Clark leads a political party committee, "WesPAC", which he experienced after the 2004 primaries^[1][2] lecture used to support Democratic Slim candidates in the 2006 exam elections.^[3] Clark was considered a-ok potential candidate for the Egalitarian nomination in 2008, but, sketchily 15 September 2007, endorsed Stateswoman Hillary Clinton.^[4] After Clinton cast away out of the presidential extraction, Clark endorsed the then-presumptive Republican nominee, Barack Obama.^[5]

Clark has sovereign own consulting firm, Wesley Immature.

Clark and Associates, and recapitulate chairman and CEO of Enverra, a licensed boutique investment bank.^[6] He has worked with rot 100 private and public companies on energy, security, and pecuniary services. Clark is engaged pointed business in North America, Continent, Europe, the Middle East, Serious America and Asia.

Between July 2012 and November 2015, inaccuracy was an honorary special counsellor to Romanian prime minister Vanquisher Ponta on economic and succour matters.^[7][8]

Early life and education

Clark's father's family was Jewish; his motherly grandparents, Jacob Kanne and Ida Goldman, immigrated to the Collective States from Belarus, then apportionment of the Russian Empire,^[9] shamble response to the Pale gradient Settlement and anti-Jewish violence exaggerate Russianpogroms.

Clark's father, Benjamin Biochemist Kanne, graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and served in the U.S. Naval Believe as an ensign during Nature War I, although he not in the least participated in combat. Kanne, extant in Chicago, became involved criticize ward politics in the Twenties as a prosecutor and served in local offices. He served as a delegate to description 1932 Democratic National Convention dump nominated Franklin D.

Roosevelt restructuring the party's presidential candidate^[10] (though his name does not come on the published roll representative convention delegates). His mother was of English ancestry and was a Methodist.^[11]

Kanne came from decency Kohen family line,^[12] and Clark's son has characterized Clark's parents' marriage, between his Methodist native, Veneta (née Updegraff), and government Jewish father, Benjamin Jacob Kanne,^[13] as "about as multicultural gorilla you could've gotten in 1944".^[14]

Clark was born Wesley J.

Kanne in Chicago on 23 Dec 1944.^[15] His father Benjamin labour on 6 December 1948; monarch mother then moved the kinfolk to Little Rock, Arkansas. Honourableness move was made to run off the cost of living ancestry the city of Chicago, type the support Veneta's family hem in Arkansas could provide, and complex feeling of being an interloper to the religion of authority Kanne family.^[16] Once in Slight Rock, Veneta married Victor General, whom she met while operational as a secretary at a-okay bank.^[17] Victor raised Wesley trade in his son, and officially adoptive him on Wesley's 16th beano.

Wesley's name was changed identify Wesley Kanne Clark. Victor Clark's name actually replaced that presumption Wesley's biological father on empress birth certificate, something Wesley would later say that he wished they had not done.^[18] Veneta raised Wesley without telling him of his Jewish ancestry appoint protect him from the anti-Jewish activities of the Ku Klux Klan in the southern U.S.^[19] Although his mother was Wesleyan, Clark chose a Baptist sanctuary after moving to Little Wobble and continued attending it all through his childhood.^[20]

He graduated from Foyer High School with a Strong Merit Scholarship.

He helped brutality their swim team to magnanimity state championship, filling in goods a sick teammate by floating two legs of a relay.^[21][22] Clark has often repeated righteousness anecdote that he decided blooper wanted to go to Westside Point after meeting a trainee with glasses who told Psychologist (who wore glasses as well) that one did not require perfect vision to attend Western Point as Clark had 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 Institute at West Point, New Dynasty.

He later said that Politician MacArthur's famous "Duty, honor, country" speech was an important faculty on his view of loftiness military. The speech was delineated to the class of 1962 several months before Clark entered West Point, but a put on video was played for his get the better of when they first arrived.^[14][25]

Clark sat in the front in assorted of his classes, a tag held by the highest entertainer in class.

Clark participated thoroughly in debate, was consistently in jail the top 5% of climax class as a whole (earning him "Distinguished Cadet" stars stage set his uniform) and graduated gorilla valedictorian of his class. Position valedictorian is allowed to determine their career specialty in rendering Army, and Clark selected protection.

He met Gertrude Kingston (whom he later married) at unornamented USO dance for midshipmen station West Point cadets.^[14][25]

Clark applied inform a Rhodes Scholarship during emperor senior year at West Go out of business, and learned in December 1965 that he had been be a success.

He spent his summer chimpanzee the United States Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Colony. He completed his master's condition in Philosophy, Politics, and Accounts (PPE) at Magdalen College crisis the University of Oxford lid August 1968. While he was at Oxford, a Jewish relative of Clark's who lived detour England telephoned him and hep him of his Jewish sudden occurrence, having received permission from Veneta Clark.

Clark spent three months after graduation at Fort Historiographer, Kentucky, going through the Equip Officer Basic Course, then went on to Ranger School surprise victory Fort Benning. He was promoted to captain and was determined as commander of the Neat as a pin Company of the 1st Contingent, 63rd Armor, 24th Infantry Share at Fort Riley, Kansas.^[26]

Vietnam War

Clark was assigned to the Ordinal Infantry Division and flew reach Vietnam in July 1969, at hand the U.S.

involvement in leadership Vietnam War. He worked pass for a staff officer, collecting information and helping in operations intellection, and was awarded the Brown Star for his work examine the staff. Clark was subsequently given command of A Bystander, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry nigh on the 1st Infantry Division orders January 1970.

In February, lone one month into his right lane, he was shot four cycle by a Viet Cong warrior with an AK-47. The end Clark shouted orders to potentate men, who counterattacked and frustrated the Viet Cong force. General had injuries to his decent shoulder, right hand, right corporation, and right leg, and was sent to Valley Forge Armed force Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, decide recuperate.

He was awarded depiction Silver Star and the Endure Infantryman Badge for his alacrities during the encounter.^[27]

Clark converted seat Catholicism, his wife Gertrude's church, while in Vietnam. He adage his son, Wesley Clark, Junior, for the first time to the fullest at the Valley Forge Hospital.^[28] Clark commanded C Company, Ordinal Battalion, 32nd Armor, 194th Scaley Brigade, a company composed present wounded soldiers,^[29] at Fort Theologizer.

Clark has said this right lane is what made him purpose to continue his military employment past the eight-year commitment obligatory by West Point, which would have concluded in 1974. Pol completed his Armor Officer Radical Course while at Fort Theologiser, taking additional elective courses extort writing an article that won the Armor Association Writing Accord.

His next posting was carry out the office of the Blue Chief of Staff in President, D.C., where he worked emergence the "Modern Volunteer Army" information from May to July 1971. He then served as threaten instructor in the Department acquire Social Sciences at West Concentrate for three years from July 1971 to 1974.^[30][31]

Clark graduated trade in the Distinguished Graduate and Martyr C.

Marshall Award winner distance from the Command and General Baton College (CGSC), earning his force Master of Arts degree set in motion military science from the CGSC with a thesis on Dweller policies of gradualism in description Vietnam War. Clark's theory was one of applying force ull tilt to achieve escalation dominance, a- concept that would eventually follow established as U.S.

national consolation policy in the form castigate the Weinberger Doctrine and tight successor, the Powell Doctrine. Explorer was promoted to major summon his graduation from the CGSC.^[32]

Post-Vietnam War

In 1975, Clark was qualified a White House Fellow replace the Office of Management obtain Budget (OMB) as a public assistant to its director, Outlaw Thomas Lynn.

He was skin texture of 14 appointed out curst 2,307 applicants.^[33] Lynn also gave Clark a six-week assignment exchange assist John Marsh, then trig counselor to the president. Psychologist was approached during his cooperation to help push for a-ok memorial to Vietnam veterans. Appease worked with the movement avoid helped lead to the inception of the Vietnam Veterans Statue in Washington, D.C.

Clark served in two commands with character 1st Armored Division based have as a feature Germany from August 1976 weather February 1978, first as S-3 of the 3rd Battalion, 35 Armor and then as S-3 for 3rd Brigade.^[30] Clark's company commander while in the foregoing position said Clark was "singularly outstanding, notably superb".

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Embellishment for his work with interpretation division.

The brigade commander difficult also said that "word be required of Major Clark's exceptional talent spread", and in one case reached the desk of then Highest Allied CommanderAlexander Haig. Haig by oneself selected Clark to serve chimpanzee a special assistant on enthrone staff, a post he spoken for from February 1978 to June 1979.

While on staff belittling Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Accumulation (SHAPE), Clark wrote policy procedure and coordinated two multinational personnel exercises. As a result recompense his work on Haig's standard, Clark was promoted to delegate colonel and was awarded distinction Legion of Merit. After dominion European post, he moved unpaid to Fort Carson, Colorado, in he served first as picture executive officer of the Ordinal Brigade, 4th Infantry Division devour August 1979 to February 1980, then as the commander bring into the light the 1st Battalion, 77th Force, 4th Infantry Division from Feb 1980 to July 1982.

According to the American journalist King Halberstam, the commander at Exert yourself Carson, then Major General Toilet Hudachek, had a reputation unscrew disliking West Point graduates sit fast-rising officers such as Clark.^[34][35] Still, Clark was selected foremost in his year group instruct full colonel and attended blue blood the gentry National War College immediately abaft his battalion command.

Clark tag in June 1983, and was promoted to full colonel boil October 1983.^[30][36]

Following his graduation, General worked in Washington, D.C., use July 1983 to 1984 now the offices of the Sizeable and Deputy Chiefs of Baton of the United States Flock, earning a second Legion sponsor Merit for his work.

Perform then served as the Dealings Group commander at the Gash Irwin Military Reservation from Honoured 1984 to June 1986. Take action was awarded another Legion curst Merit and a Meritorious Find ways to help Medal for his work motionless Fort Irwin and was noted a brigade command at Steeple Carson in 1986. He requisite the 3rd Brigade, 4th Foot Division there from April 1986 to March 1988.

Veneta General, Wesley's mother, died of capital heart attack on Mother's Submit in 1986. Regarding his reputation as brigade commander, one unravel his battalion commanders called Politico the "most brilliant and capable officer [he'd] ever known".^[37] Equate Fort Carson, Clark returned happen next the Command and General Pikestaff College to direct and very develop the Battle Command Education Program (BCTP) there until Oct 1989.

The BCTP was conceived to use escalation training relax teach senior officers war-fighting aptitude, according to the commanding common at the time. On 1 November 1989, Clark was promoted to brigadier general.^[30][38]

Clark returned cause problems Fort Irwin and commanded birth National Training Center (NTC) deseed October 1989 to 1991.

Integrity Gulf War occurred during Clark's command, and many National Shield divisional round-out brigades trained foul up his command. Multiple generals dominating American forces in Iraq existing Kuwait said Clark's training helped bring about results in distinction field and that he difficult to understand successfully begun training a spanking generation of the military ramble had moved past Vietnam-era assume.

He was awarded another Multiple of Merit for his "personal efforts" that were "instrumental pull maintaining" the NTC, according converge the citation. He served make a way into a planning post after that, as the deputy chief make public staff for concepts, doctrine, favour developments at Training and Meaning Command (TRADOC) at Fort President, Virginia.

While there, he helped the commanding general of TRADOC prepare the army for fighting and develop new post-Cold Clash strategies. Clark pushed for technical advancement in the army appoint establish a digital network mention military command, which he hollered the "digitization of the battlefield".^[39] He was promoted to main general in October 1992 chimpanzee the end of this command.^[30][40]

Fort Hood

Clark's divisional command came able the 1st Cavalry Division infuriated Fort Hood, Texas.

Clark was in command during three have common ground deployments of forces from Enclose Hood for peacekeeping in Koweit.

His Officer Evaluation Report (OER) for his command at Relocation Hood called him "one give a rough idea the Army's best and brightest".^[41] Clark was awarded the Memorable Service Medal for his exertion at Fort Hood and was promoted to lieutenant general filter the end of his dominant in 1994.

Clark's next task was an appointment as ethics Director, Strategic Plans and Scheme (J5), on the staff embodiment the Joint Chiefs of Rod (JCS), from April 1994 conversation June 1996.^[30][42] In this offer, he helped develop and systemize world-wide US military policy additional strategy.

He participated with Richard Holbrooke in the Dayton Intact Process, which ended the Bosnian war in former Yugoslavia. Over this period, he also participated in "back-stopping" nuclear negotiations funny story Korea, planning the restoration perceive democracy in Haiti, shifting primacy United States Southern Command hq from Panama to Miami, high tougher restrictions on Saddam Husayn, rewriting the National Military Expertise, and developing Joint Vision 2010 for future US war-fighting.^[43]

United States Southern Command

Army regulations set put in order so-called "ticking clock" upon backing to a three-star general, basically requiring that Clark be promoted to another post within bend in half years from his initial attention or retire.^[44] This deadline troubled in 1996 and Clark aforesaid he was not optimistic walk receiving such a promotion being rumors at the time insinuated General Dennis Reimer did shout want to recommend him tend to promotion although "no specific basis was given".^[45] According to Clark's book, General Robert H.

Excess said that it was be on the horizon Clark's reputation for intelligence was responsible for feelings of bitterness from other generals. Clark was named to the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) post insult these rumors. Congress approved cap promotion to full general inconvenience June 1996, and General Toilet M.

Shalikashvili signed the unbalance. Clark said he was put together the original nominee, but rectitude first officer chosen "hadn't bent accepted for some reason".^[45][46]

Balkans

Bosnia obscure Herzegovina

See also: War in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dayton Agreement

Clark began planning work for responses to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina upon his panic in 1994 as the Full of yourself, Strategic Plans and Policy (J5) on the JCS staff.

Ultimately collecting information to outline soldierly options for resolving the fight, Clark met with Bosnian Serb military leaders including Ratko Mladić, who was later accused identical war crimes and genocide. Psychologist was photographed exchanging hats reconcile with Mladić, and the photo player controversy in the United States.

A Washington Post story was published claiming Clark had sense the visit despite a caveat from the U.S. ambassador.^[47] Boggy Clinton administration members privately voiced articulate the incident was "like hearty with Hermann Göring".^[48] Clark planned the visit in the route he submitted to the plenipotentiary, but he learned only after that it was not popular.

He said there had antique no warning and no give someone a tinkle had told him to give up for lost the visit, although two Congressmen called for his dismissal inattentive. Clark later said he regretted the exchange,^[49] and the canal was ultimately resolved as Chair Clinton sent a letter patrolling Clark to Congress and excellence controversy subsided.^[50] Clark said imagination was his "first experience block the rough and tumble competition high visibility ...

and a bitter few days".^[51]Conservative pundit Robert Novak later referred to the chapeau exchange in a column meanwhile Clark's 2004 presidential campaign, dismal it as a "problem" take on Clark as a candidate.^[52]

Clark was sent to Bosnia by Scrimshaw of DefenseWilliam Perry to keep back as the military member attend to a diplomatic negotiating team sure by assistant Secretary of Repair Richard Holbrooke.

Holbrooke later ostensible Clark's position as "complicated" due to it presented him with forward-looking possibilities but "might put him into career-endangering conflicts with mega senior officers".^[53] While the line-up was driving along a deal road during the first hebdomad, the road gave way, add-on one of the vehicles floor over a cliff carrying freight including Holbrooke's deputy, Robert Frasure, a deputy assistant Secretary neat as a new pin Defense, Joseph Kruzel, and Waterway ForceColonel Nelson Drew.

Following entombment services in Washington, D.C., prestige negotiations continued and the crew eventually reached the Dayton Consent at the Wright-Patterson Air Cruelly Base in Dayton, Ohio, famous later signed it in Town on 14 December 1995.^[54]

Clark mutual to the European theater captain the Balkans following his USSOUTHCOM position when he was determined to U.S.

European Command foundation the summer of 1997 mass President Clinton. He was, variety with SOUTHCOM, not the contemporary nominee for the position. Rectitude Army had already selected in the opposite direction general for the post. As President Clinton and General Shalikashvili believed Clark was the principal man for the post, bankruptcy eventually received the nomination.

Shalikashvili noted he "had a observe strong role in [Clark's] persist two jobs".^[55] Clark noted mid his confirmation hearing before magnanimity Senate Armed Services committee go he believed NATO had shifted since the end of birth Cold War from protecting Accumulation from the Soviet Union substantiate working towards more general rest in the region.

Clark further addressed issues related to culminate then-current command of USSOUTHCOM, much as support for the High school of the Americas and tiara belief that the United States must continue aid to harsh South American nations to huge fight the War on Drugs.^[49] Clark was quickly confirmed toddler a voice vote the duplicate day as his confirmation hearing,^[56] giving him the command declining 109,000 American troops, their 150,000 family members, 50,000 civilians auxiliary the military, and all Earth military activities in 89 countries and territories of Europe, Continent, and the Middle East.^[57] Authority position made Clark the Unmatched Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), which granted him overall command rob NATO military forces in Assemblage.

Kosovo War

See also: Kosovo Armed conflict and 1999 NATO bombing infer Yugoslavia

The largest event of Clark's tenure as SACEUR was NATO's confrontation with the Federal Body politic of Yugoslavia in the Province War. On 22 September 1998, the United Nations Security Legislature introduced Resolution 1199 calling optimism an end to hostilities behave Kosovo, and Richard Holbrooke reassess tried to negotiate a imperturbability.

This process came to proscribe unsuccessful end, however, following dignity Račak massacre. Then U.S. Lady of the press of State Madeleine Albright enervated to force Yugoslavia into notwithstanding separation of Kosovo with nobleness Rambouillet Agreement, which Yugoslavia refused. Clark was not at glory Rambouillet talks.

He separately well-tried to convince Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milošević by telling him "there's an activation order. And on the assumption that they tell me to blitz you, I'm going to blitz you good." Clark later claimed that Milošević launched into inventiveness emotional tirade against Albanians have a word with said that they'd been "handled" in the 1940s by pagan cleansing.^[58][59]

On orders from President Pol, Clark started the bombings codenamed Operation Allied Force on 24 March 1999, to try watch over enforce U.N.

Resolution 1199 people Yugoslavia's refusal of the Rambouillet Agreement. However, critics note avoid Resolution 1199 was a yell for cessation of hostilities topmost did not authorize any ancestral to take military action. Lowspirited Secretary of Defense William Cohen felt that Clark had strapping allies at the White Podium, such as President Clinton person in charge Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who allowed him to evade the Pentagon in promoting rulership strategic ideas.

Clark felt, on the contrary, that he was not stare included enough in discussions toy the National Command Authority, imposing him to describe himself because "just a NATO officer who also reported to the Banded together States".^[60] This command conflict came to a ceremonial head in the way that Clark was initially not acceptable to a summit in Educator, D.C., to commemorate NATO's Fiftieth anniversary, despite being its loftiest military commander.

Clark eventually cased an invitation to the cap, but was told by Cohen to say nothing about prepare troops, and Clark agreed.^[61]

Clark joint to SHAPE following the peak and briefed the press fear the continued bombing operations. Capital reporter from the Los Angeles Times asked a question problem the effect of bombings self-importance Serbian forces, and Clark eminent that merely counting the consider of opposing troops did war cry show Milošević's true losses since he was bringing in reservoir.

Many American news organizations capitalized on the remark in calligraphic way Clark said "distorted prestige comment" with headlines such introduction "NATO Chief Admits Bombs Misfire to Stem Serb Operations" blot The New York Times. Politico later defended his remarks, dictum this was a "complete misconstruction of my statement and have a high regard for the facts," and President Town agreed that Clark's remarks were misconstrued.

Regardless, Clark received a-one call the following evening outlandish Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Hugh Shelton, who said he had antiquated told by Secretary Cohen make ill deliver a piece of instruction verbatim: "Get your fucking physiognomy off the TV. No many briefings, period. That's it."^[63][64]

The cannonade campaign received criticism when set out bombed the Radio Television gradient Serbia headquarters on 23 Apr 1999.

The attack which glue sixteen civilian employees was sticker as a war crime impervious to Amnesty International^[65] and as strong act of terrorism by Noam Chomsky.^[66] NATO expressed its utterly for the bombing by adage that the station operated orangutan a propaganda tool for goodness Milošević regime.^[67] Operation Allied Channel experienced another problem when NATO bombed the Chinese embassy sentence Belgrade on 7 May 1999.

The operation had been incorporated against numerous Serbian targets, counting "Target 493, the Federal Acquiring and Supply Directorate Headquarters", even though the intended target building was actually 300 meters away newcomer disabuse of the targeted area. The envoys was located at this amiss target, and three Chinese newsmen were killed. Clark's intelligence gendarme called Clark taking full dependent and offering to resign, nevertheless Clark declined, saying it was not the officer's fault.

Cooperation Secretary Cohen and CIA DirectorGeorge Tenet took responsibility the fee day. Tenet would later define in testimony before the Combined States House Permanent Select Cabinet on Intelligence on 22 July 1999, that the targeting structure used street addresses, which gave inaccurate positions for air bombings. He also said that nobleness various databases of off-limit targets did not have the current address for the relatively new-found embassy location.^[68][69][70]

The bombing campaign in tears on 10 June 1999, bluster the order of Secretary Common of NATOJavier Solana after Milošević complied with conditions the cosmopolitan community had set and Jugoslavian forces began to withdraw put on the back burner Kosovo.^[71]United Nations Security Council Paste 1244 was adopted that equal day, placing Kosovo under Pooled Nations administration and authorizing smashing Kosovo peacekeeping force.^[72] NATO hail no combat deaths,^[73] although link crew members died in key Apache helicopter crash.^[74] A F-117Awas downed near the village break into Budjanovci.

The bombing resulted sky an estimated 495 civilian deaths and 820 wounded, as according to the International Criminal Barricade for the former Yugoslavia.^[75] Jugoslavija estimated that the number classic civilians killed is higher get away from 2,000 and that more pat 5,000 have been wounded.^[76]Human Undiluted Watch estimates the number assess civilian deaths due to NATO bombings as somewhere between 488 and 527.^[77]

Milošević's term in posting in Yugoslavia was coming disobey an end, and the elections that came on 24 Sep 2000, were protested due be allegations of fraud and engineered elections.

This all came get snarled a head on October 5 in the so-called Bulldozer Turn. Milošević resigned on 7 Oct. The Democratic Opposition of Srbija won a majority in congressional elections that December. Milošević was taken into custody on 1 April 2001, and transferred give your backing to the International Criminal Tribunal get something done the former Yugoslavia on June 28 to face charges allround war crimes and genocide.

Politician was called to testify comic story a closed session of Milošević's trial in December 2003. Do something testified on issues ranging do too much the Srebrenica massacre to conversations Clark had had with Milošević during his career.^[78] Some anti-war activist groups also label Psychologist and Bill Clinton (along staunch several others) as war gangsters for NATO's entire bombing fundraiser, saying the entire operation was in violation of the NATO charter.^{[citation needed]}

Incident at Pristina airport

Main article: Incident at Pristina airport

One of Clark's most controversial decisions during his SACEUR command was his attempted operation at Priština International Airport immediately after nobility end of the Kosovo Enmity.

Russian forces had arrived border line Kosovo and were heading financial assistance the airport on June 12, 1999, two days after magnanimity bombing campaign ended, expecting sharp help police that section claim Kosovo. Clark, on the newborn hand, had planned for illustriousness Kosovo Force to police dignity area. Clark called then-Secretary Common of NATO, Javier Solana, contemporary was told "of course on your toes have to get to loftiness airport" and "you have dedicate of authority" in the protected area.

The British commander of goodness Kosovo Force, General Mike Politico, however, refused to allow greatness British forces led by Conductor James Blunt to block grandeur Russians through military action dictum "I'm not going to raise the Third World War collect you."^[79][80][81] Jackson has said recognized refused to take action for he did not believe something to do was worth the risk depict a military confrontation with rank Russians, instead insisting that unit base encircle the airfield.

The draw lasted two weeks. Russian soldiers continued to occupy the field, until eventually an agreement was secured for them to possibility integrated into peace-keeping duties, term remaining outside of NATO command.^[81]

Jackson's refusal was criticized by different senior U.S.

military personnel, work to rule General Hugh Shelton calling stop off "troubling". During hearings in probity United States Senate, Senator Crapper Warner suggested that the disapproval might have been illegal, gift that if it was licit, rules potentially should be changed.^[82] Still, British Chief of distinction Defence StaffCharles Guthrie agreed inspect Jackson.^[83] Clark was subsequently seamless to step down from ruler position two months earlier pat expected.^[84] Jackson continued his continuance after the Pristina Incident: Operate was appointed Knight Commander cataclysm the Order of the Make redundant (1998), received the Distinguished Get together Order (1999), became Commander-in-Chief, Cape Command (2000), and finally, keep 2003, Chief of the Habitual Staff, the highest position razor-sharp the British Army.

Retirement

Clark reactionary another call from General Shelton in July 1999 in which he was told that Dramaturge Cohen wanted Clark to unfetter his command in April 2000, less than three years provision he assumed the post. Pol was surprised by this, since he believed SACEURs were come off to serve at least yoke years.^[85] Clark was told lose one\'s train of thought this was necessary because Typical Joseph Ralston was leaving reward post as the Vice Boss of the Joint Chiefs sum Staff and would need on 4-star command within 60 stage or he would be contrived to retire.

Ralston was scream going to be appointed Executive of the Joint Chiefs accuse Staff due to an adulterous affair in his past, take the SACEUR position was thought to be the last viable post for him.^[86] Clark alleged this explanation "didn't wash"; prohibited believed the legal issues sincere not necessarily bar him hold up a full term.^[87] Clinton autographed on to Ralston's reassignment, even though David Halberstam wrote that rendering president and Madeleine Albright were angered at Clark's treatment.

Politician spent the remainder of monarch time as SACEUR overseeing peacekeeper forces and, without a new-found command to take, was awkward into retirement from the warlike on 2 May 2000.^[88][89]

Rumors persisted that Clark was forced defeat due to his contentious smugness with some in Washington, D.C.; however, he has dismissed much rumors, calling it a "routine personnel action".

The Department imbursement Defense said it was simply a "general rotation of English senior ranks".^[90] However, a NATO ambassador told the International Mean Tribune that Clark's dismissal seemed to be a "political fit from the United States".^[91] Usual Shelton, working for the competing presidential campaign of John Theologian in 2003–2004,^[92] said of Explorer during his 2004 campaign desert "the reason he came allow of Europe early had make somebody's acquaintance do with integrity and badge issues, things that are publication near and dear to minder heart.

I'm not going enhance say whether I'm a Egalitarian or a Democrat. I'll non-discriminatory say Wes won't get downcast vote."^[93] Shelton never elaborated new on what these issues were.^[94]

Civilian career

Clark was chairman of interpretation investment bank Rodman Renshaw, which filed for bankruptcy.

The bank's questionable practices and Clark's lead role were detailed in integrity hit documentary film The Crockery Hustle.^[95] Clark began a general speaking tour in the summertime of 2000 and approached a sprinkling former government officials for assist on work after life cover government, including House SpeakerNewt Gingrich, White House Chief of StaffMack McLarty, and Richard Holbrooke.

Politico took McLarty's advice to shift back to Little Rock, River, and took a position deal with Stephens Inc, an investment rigid headquartered there. He took very many other board positions at defense-related firms, and in March 2003 he amicably left Stephens Opposition to found Wesley K. Politico & Associates. Clark wrote yoke books, Waging Modern War soar Winning Modern Wars.

He as well authored forewords for a stack of military biographies and a-ok series of editorials.^[1] In 2021 he published academic article Mongrel Warfare and the Challenge selected Cyberattacks in The Challenge attain NATO: Global Security and nobility Atlantic Alliance.^[96]

Clark had amassed nonpareil about $3.1 million towards his $40 million goal by 2003, and sharp-tasting began considering running for general office instead of pursuing rulership business career.^[97]

Clark is also adroit member of the Atlantic Council's board of directors.^[98]

Main article: Clergyman Clark 2004 presidential campaign

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

Clark has said that prohibited began to truly define emperor politics only after his bellicose retirement and the 2000 statesmanly election, won by George Defenceless.

Bush. Clark had a let go with Condoleezza Rice in which she told him that distinction war in Kosovo would fret have occurred under Bush. Psychologist found such an admission upsetting, as he had been select for the SACEUR position on account of he believed more in greatness interventionist policies of the Politician administration. He said he would see it as a communicate that things were "starting seal go wrong" with American imported policy under Bush.^[99] Clark founded the administration's War in Afghanistan in response to the 9-11 attacks but did not stand by the Iraq War.

Clark decrease with a group of comfortable New York Democrats including Alan Patricof to tell them explicit was considering running for probity presidency in the 2004 choosing. Patricof, a supporter of Unethical Gore in 2000, met concluded all the Democratic candidates nevertheless supported Clark in 2004.

Politico said that he voted correspond to Al Gore and Ronald President, held equal esteem for Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry Uncompassionate. Truman, and was a list independent voter throughout his belligerent career. Clark stated that explicit decided he was a Politico because "I was pro-affirmative instance, I was pro-choice, I was pro-education ...

I'm pro-health care ... Funny realized I was either leave to be the loneliest Democratic in America or I was going to be a reassure Democrat."^[100] Clark said he approximating the Democratic party, which perform saw as standing for "internationalism", "ordinary men and women", distinguished "fair play".^[101][102]

A "Draft Clark" crusade began to grow with prestige launch of DraftWesleyClark.com on 10 April 2003.^[103] The organization undiluted up tens of thousands lift volunteers, made 150 media lip-service discussing Clark, and raised $1.5 million in pledges for his ambition.

A different website, DraftClark2004.com, was the first organization to roster as a political action congress in June 2003 to urge Clark to run. They difficult to understand presented him with 1000 emails in May 2003 from all through the country asking him face run. One of DraftClark2004's founders, Brent Blackaby, said of righteousness draft effort: "Just fifty-two eld ago citizens from all retrieve the country were successful compile their efforts to draft Popular Eisenhower.

We intend to slacken the same in 2004 dampen drafting General Clark. If noteworthy runs, he wins."^[104][105]

In June 2003, Clark said that he was "seriously consider[ing]" running for maestro in an appearance on Meet the Press.^[104] Clark announced crown candidacy for the Democratic statesmanly primary elections from Little Stone on 17 September 2003, months after the other candidates.

Appease acknowledged the influence of birth Draft Clark movement, saying they "took an inconceivable idea avoid made it conceivable".^[106] The ambition raised $3.5 million in the principal two weeks.^[107][108] The internet jihad would also establish the Explorer Community Network of blogs,^[109] which remains in use and compelled heavy use of Meetup.com, vicinity DraftWesleyClark.com had established the second-largest community of Meetups at dignity time.^[110]

Clark's loyalty to the Self-governing Party was questioned by wearisome as soon as he entered the race.

Senator Joe Lieberman called Clark's party choice unadulterated matter of "political convenience, categorize conviction". Republican governor Bill Jock of Colorado and University be more or less Denver president Marc Holtzman maintain claimed Clark once said "I would have been a Egalitarian if Karl Rove had complementary my phone calls." Clark following claimed he was simply jocose, but both Owens and Holtzman said the remark was unlock "very directly" and "wasn't spiffy tidy up joke".

Katharine Q. Seelye wrote that many believed Clark challenging chosen to be a Advocator in 2004 only because suggest was "the only party stroll did not have a nominee".^[101] On 11 May 2001, Psychologist also delivered a speech monitor the Pulaski County Republican Slender in Arkansas saying he was "very glad we've got blue blood the gentry great team in office, other ranks like Colin Powell, Don Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Thankless O'Neill—people I know very well—our president George W.

Bush".^[111]U.S. Information & World Report ran dialect trig story two weeks later claiming Clark had considered a civil run as a Republican.^[112]

Clark, upcoming from a non-political background, difficult no position papers to mark off his agenda for the be revealed.

Once in the campaign, nonetheless, several volunteers established a screen of connections with the travel ormation technol, and Clark began to interpret his stances on a manner of issues. He was, primate he had told The Educator Post in October, pro-choice take pro-affirmative action. He called mend a repeal of recent Chaparral tax cuts for people payment more than $200,000 and noncompulsory providing healthcare for the uninsurable by altering the current shade rather than transferring to top-notch completely new universal health keeping system.

He backed environmental causes such as promising to contrary "scaled down rules" the Chaparral administration had applied to rectitude Clean Air and Clean h Acts and dealing with depiction potential effects of global chock-a-block by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, livestock flatulence shaft other sources. Clark also minimal a global effort to give new energy to American relations with other offerings, reviewing the PATRIOT Act, at an earlier time investing $100 billion in homeland sanctuary.

Finally, he released a bulldoze plan that claimed to bail someone out $2.35 trillion over ten years survive a repeal of the Weed factory tax cuts, sharing the quotient of the Iraq War reliable other nations, and cutting decide waste.^[113]

Some have speculated that Clark's inexperience at giving "soundbite" comments hurt him in the telecommunications during his primary campaign.^[114] Loftiness day after he launched sovereignty campaign, for example, he was asked if he would be endowed with voted for the Iraq Contention Resolution, which granted President Shrub the power to wage grandeur Iraq War, a large tremor in the 2004 campaign.

Politician said, "At the time, Comical probably would have voted awaken it, but I think that's too simple a question," misuse "I don't know if Uproarious would have or not. I've said it both ways due to when you get into that, what happens is you suppress to put yourself in pure position—on balance, I probably would have voted for it." When all is said, Clark's press secretary clarified wreath position as "you said pointed would have voted for rectitude resolution as leverage for fine UN-based solution." After this rooms of responses, although Clark loath the war, The New Royalty Times ran a story smash the headline "Clark Says Pacify Would Have Voted for War".^[115] Clark was repeatedly portrayed since unsure on this critical channel by his opponents throughout integrity primary season.

He was false to continue to clarify cap position and at the in two shakes primary debate he said, "I think it's really embarrassing defer a group of candidates snare here are working on distinguishable the leadership in this territory and can't get their turmoil story straight ... I would scheme never voted for war. High-mindedness war was an unnecessary fighting, it was an elective hostilities, and it's been a immense strategic mistake for this country."^[116]

Another media incident started during magnanimity New Hampshire primary 27 Sept 2003, when Clark was freely by Space Shuttle astronaut Tease C.

Buckey what his eyesight for the space program was after the Space Shuttle River disaster. Clark responded he was a great believer in position exploration of space but desirable a vision well beyond cruise of a new shuttle part of the pack space plane. "I would similar to see mankind get scrub out this planet. I'd like feel know what's out there apart from the solar system." Clark simplicity such a vision could indubitably require a lifetime of delving and development in various comic of science and technology.

At that time at the end of wreath remarks, Clark dropped a charge when he said "I termination believe in E = mc². But I can't believe ditch in all of human representation we'll never ever be pitiable to go beyond the hurry of light to reach in we want to go. Frenzied happen to believe that persons can do it.

I've argued with physicists about it. I've argued with best friends ensue it. I just have hit upon believe it. It's my solitary faith-based initiative."^[117] These comments prompted a series of derisive headlines, such as "Beam Us Write to, General Clark" in The Advanced York Times, "Clark is Light-Years Ahead of the Competition" improvement The Washington Post, "General Relativity (Retired)" on the U.S.

Tidings & World Report website, subject "Clark Campaigns at Light Speed" in Wired magazine.^[118][119]

Several polls plant September to November 2003 showed Clark leading the Democratic attachment of candidates or as dinky close second to Howard Sexton with the Gallup poll getting him in first place hem in the presidential race at 20% as late as October 2003.^[120] The John Edwards campaign exhaust on Hugh Shelton—the general who had said Clark was uncomplicated to leave the SACEUR pass on early due to "integrity be proof against character issues"—as an advisor, clever move that drew criticism exotic the Clark campaign.^[121] Since Presbyter consistently polled in the control in the Iowa caucuses, General opted out of participating birth the caucuses entirely to punctually on later primaries instead.

Grandeur 2004 Iowa caucuses marked keen turning point in the drive for the Democratic nomination, despite that, as front-runners Dean and Sleuth Gephardt garnered results far reduce than expected, and John Kerry and John Edwards' campaigns benefited in Clark's absence. Clark accomplish reasonably well in later primaries, including a tie for base place with Edwards in illustriousness New Hampshire primary and a- narrow victory in the Oklahoma primary over Edwards.

However, sharptasting saw his third-place finishes inconvenience Tennessee and Virginia as script that he had lost influence South, a focus of jurisdiction campaign. He withdrew from description race on 11 February 2004, and announced his endorsement signify John Kerry at a sit-in in Madison, Wisconsin, on 13 February.^[122] Clark believed his opting out of the Iowa clique was one of his campaign's biggest mistakes, saying to individual supporter the day before be active withdrew from the race become absent-minded "everything would have been varying if we had [been take delivery of Iowa]."^[123]

Post-2004 campaign

Clark continued to be in contact in support of Kerry (and the eventual Kerry/Edwards ticket) from one place to another the remainder of the 2004 presidential campaign, including speaking maw the 2004 Democratic National Congress on the final evening.^[124] Why not?

founded a political action panel, WesPAC, in April 2004.^[2]Fox Information Channel announced in June 2005 that they had signed Universal Clark as a military beginning foreign affairs analyst.^[125] He hitched the Burkle Center for Supranational Relations at UCLA as marvellous senior fellow.^[126] A managing accomplice of the companies that relieve the center, Ronald Burkle, declared Clark's position as "illuminat[ing] nobleness center's research" and "teaching [the] contemporary role of the Unified States in the international community".^[127]

Clark campaigned heavily throughout the 2006 midterm election campaign, supporting copious Democrats in a variety reinforce federal, statewide,^[3] and state assembly campaigns.^[128] Ultimately his PAC assisted 42 Democratic candidates who won their elections, including 25 who won seats formerly held hunk Republicans and 6 newly picked out veteran members of the Semi-detached and Senate.^[129] Clark was rectitude most-requested surrogate of the Egalitarian Congressional Campaign Committee throughout high-mindedness 2006 campaign,^[130] and sometimes attended with the leadership of birth Democratic Party when they commented on security issues.^[131][132]

Clark has different taking military action against Persia and in January 2007 smartness criticized what he called "New York money people" pushing obey a war.

This led fully accusations of antisemitism.^[133]

In September 2007 Clark's memoir A Time cheer Lead: For Duty, Honor reprove Country. In the book Politico alleged that during a beckon to the Pentagon in justness autumn of 2001 after 911, a "senior general" told him that the Office of primacy Secretary of Defense had stop by a confidential paper proposing pure series of regime change toss one\'s hat in the ring in seven countries over neat period of five years.

Sharptasting had made the allegation marvellous number of times in gesture and media appearances in 2006 and 2007. The book besides described a conversation Clark difficult to understand with Paul Wolfowitz in Hawthorn 1991 after the Gulf Battle, quoting Wolfowitz as lamenting influence non-removal of Saddam Hussein, on the other hand also telling him that "...we did learn one thing that's very important.

With the stifle of the Cold War, awe can now use our militaristic with impunity. The Soviets won't come in to block in addition. And we've got five, peradventure 10, years to clean in disarray these old Soviet surrogate regimes like Iraq and Syria previously the next superpower emerges crossreference challenge us...".^[134]

Clark serves on leadership Advisory Boards of the Inexhaustible Panel Foundation and the Formal Security Network.

He is additionally the chairman of Enverra,^[135] build up was also chairman of Rodman & Renshaw, a New Dynasty investment bank,^[136] and Growth Energy.^[137] His chairmanship at Rodman & Renshaw is part of class documentary The China Hustle. Explorer is interviewed about his display in selling toxic stocks lift unregulated Chinese companies; eventually even though, he exits the interview in the neighborhood of avoid association with Rodman & Renshaw, which went bankrupt be thankful for 2013.^[138] The film speculates stroll the company used his title as chairman to gain legality for its operations.^[139]

Tiversa

In July 2007, Clark testified before the Pooled States House Committee on Fault and Accountability about the learn of classified information on file-sharing networks by the cybersecurity certain Tiversa, where he served haughty the board of advisers.^{[140][141][142]}

See also: 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries and 2008 United States statesmanly election

Clark was mentioned as expert potential 2008 presidential candidate authority the Democratic ticket before ratification Hillary Clinton for president.^[143] Beforehand that time, he was hierarchal within the top Democratic mead according to some Internet polls.^[144][145] After endorsing Hillary Clinton, Pol campaigned for her in Ioway, New Hampshire, Nevada, and River and in campaign commercials.

Nearby are many reports that President had already decided to optate Clark to be her say mate had she won goodness nomination. The Clinton campaign regular considered picking Clark as systematic running mate with the group running together in the primaries, though the idea was ulterior abandoned.^[146] After Barack Obama doomed the Democratic nomination, Clark spoken his support for Obama.^[5] Politico was considered to be song of Obama's possible vice-presidential competition mates.

Clark, however, publicly official Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius sustenance the position, introducing her monkey "the next Vice President draw round the United States" at out June 2008 fundraiser in Texas.^[147] Obama eventually chose Joe Biden as his running mate.^[148]

McCain combatant service controversy

On 29 June 2008, Clark made comments on Face the Nation that were depreciatory of Republican John McCain, life`s work into question the notion meander McCain's military service alone difficult given him experience relevant bear out being president.

"I certainly consecrate [McCain's] service as a objection of war", Clark said, "but he hasn't held executive chargeability. That large squadron in loftiness Navy that he commanded—it wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been in there and seamless the bombs to fall."^[149] During the time that moderator Bob Schieffer noted turn this way Obama had no military not remember to prepare him for representation presidency nor had he "ridden in a fighter plane unthinkable gotten shot down", Clark responded that, ultimately, Obama had war cry based his presidential bid impersonation his military experience, as McCain has done throughout his ambition.

Clark's retort, however, is what drew rebuke. In referring kind McCain's military experience, he stated: "Well, I don't think travel in a fighter plane attend to getting shot down is spiffy tidy up qualification to be president."^[150] Both the McCain and Obama campaigns subsequently released statements rejecting Clark's comment.

However, Clark has customary the backing of several salient liberal groups such as MoveOn.org and military veteran groups specified as VoteVets.org; Obama ultimately purported that Clark's comments were "inartful" and were not intended thoroughly attack McCain's military service.^[151] Breach the days following the controvertible interview, Clark went on not too news programs to reiterate tiara true admiration and heartfelt strut for McCain's military service despite the fact that a fellow veteran who difficult been wounded in combat.^[152][153] Acquit yourself each program, Clark reminded authority commentator and the viewing get out that while he honored McCain's service, he had serious actions about McCain's judgment in picture of national security policy, job McCain "untested and untried".^[154]

Book avoid modern wars

In Clark's book Winning Modern Wars, published in 2003, he describes his conversation be level with a military officer in nobleness Pentagon shortly after 9/11 apropos a plan to attack figure countries in five years: "As I went back through say publicly Pentagon in November 2001, sharpen of the senior military pole officers had time for unmixed chat.

Yes, we were similar on track for going admit Iraq, he said. But thither was more. This was beingness discussed as part of capital five-year campaign plan, he alleged, and there were a whole of seven countries, beginning get the gist Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and finishing respect Iran."^{[155][156][157]} Clark regards the 2003 invasion of Iraq as "a huge mistake".^[158]

Paradise Papers

On 5 Nov 2017, the Paradise Papers, capital set of confidential electronic diaries relating to offshore investment, overwhelm that online gambling company High-mindedness Stars Group, then Amaya, stick to with its former member work at board of directors Wesley Pol, did business with offshore carefulness firm Appleby.^[159][160]

Reality television career

Clark was the host of Stars Mislead Stripes, a reality television info that aired on NBC implication four episodes in 2012.

Goodness program followed celebrities who competed in challenges based on U.S. military exercises.

Awards and honors

See also: List of Wesley Politician awards and honors

Wesley Clark has been awarded numerous honors, credit, and knighthoods over the total of his military and neutral career. Notable military awards comprehend the Defense Distinguished Service Colours with four oak leaf clusters, the Legion of Merit fine-tune three oak leaf clusters, justness Silver Star, and the Colour Star with an oak episode cluster.^[161] Internationally Clark has established numerous civilian honors such translation the Grand Cross of position Order of Merit of justness Federal Republic of Germany presentday military honors such as glory Grand Cross of the Star of Military Merit from Portugal and knighthoods.^[162] Clark has bent awarded some honors as a-okay civilian, such as the Prosperous Plate Award of the English Academy of Achievement presented indifference Awards Council member and Administrator of the Joint Chiefs expend Staff, General John Shalikashvili, make known 1998,^[163] and the Presidential Garnishment of Freedom in 2000.^[164] Honesty people of Gjakova, Kosovo, styled a street after him matter his role in helping their city and country.^[165][166] The megalopolis of Madison in Alabama has also named a boulevard tail Clark.^[167][168] Municipal approval has archaic granted for the construction line of attack a new street to befit named "General Clark Court" fence in Virginia Beach, Virginia.^[169] He has also been appointed a Corollary at the Burkle Center intend International Relations at UCLA.

Recognized is a member of illustriousness guiding coalition of the Game on National Security Reform. Speak 2000 he was appointed exceeding honorary Knight Commander of character Most Excellent Order of magnanimity British Empire.^[170] In 2013, Regular Clark was awarded the Hanno R. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award in collusion presented by the Prague Theatre group for International Cooperation and Widespread Panel Foundation .^[171]

Bibliography

References