his aids did/allowed.
I personally choose to believe he has had it with the civilian politics of Obama and his whiz kid advisors, whose priority is not the war in Afghanistan.
His hands are tied with unrealistic rules of engagement that DO NOT allow the troops and their commanders to win.

So he knew/knows the ramifications of his actions to go outside the chain of command...and proceeded with purpose!

On the very positive side his actions reflect his priority is certainly not politics.
Check out his back ground...his accomplishments, especially in Iraq. He is a warrior with credibility.
Adjectives that do not apply to ANY of the civilian, political manipulators in the WH...including Obama.

btk