As you said, "The unfortunate public airing of what may or may not have been General McChrystal's innermost thoughts," in a music magazine doesn't, IMHO, become a crucial test of Obama's leadership.

I also don't agree that, as you said, "this...is another example of very good, perhaps even courageous leadership..."

McChrystal seems to have a grasp of conditions on the ground in Washington and conditions in Kabul. I did read the article, more than once. Obama said his problem with McChrystal is that the article, "...undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system."

Obama's politically correct view of the military kowtowing to special interest groups at the risk of troops lives is exactly what RollingStone magazine made it appear were McChrystal's innermost thoughts. That is more important in all of this than did Obama show courageous leadership in accepting McChrystal's resignation. Obama did act swiftly and professionally with his remarks.