Retired Gen. Tony Zinni is the proverbial E.F. Hutton of defense advice. When he speaks, people tend to listen — and rightfully so. His insights on the intricate dynamics of the Middle East, honed over several tours as a Marine officer, commander at U.S. Central Command and presidential envoy have been sought out regularly. Sometimes that advice was accepted, other times it was not. Far more often than not, people should have listened. His track record, especially with regard to the current debacle in Iraq, is unerringly prescient.

http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2006/09/1885010