The Middle East and General Schwarzkopf

Speaking before the National Press Club, television commentator David Frost discussed his recent trip to the Persian Gulf region and his March 20 interview with General Schwarzkopf. In the interview, broadcast on March 27 in the U.S., General Schwarzkopf, commander of the coalition forces during the Persian Gulf war, said he had recommended to President Bush that the coalition forces continue fighting the Iraqis until they were completely destroyed in the Persian Gulf war zone. He was quoted as saying President Bush's decision was "courageous," but the coalition forces should have continued since "we had them in a rout." His comments drew a rebuke from President Bush, who said Gen. Schwarzkopf was wrong in saying he recommended the war continue. A White House official quoted in the New York Times said Gen. Schwarzkopf was on record for not having opposed the cease-fire. After a number of humorous remarks concerning the media, Mr. Frost congratulated the White House and the American troops in conducting the Persian Gulf war. He went on to discuss his interview with Gen. Schwarzkopf, who he described as "thoughtful" and "caring." Mr. Frost quoted Gen. Schwarzkopf as saying the coalition would have fractured had Israel entered the war, and the "Hail Mary" plan had been the coalition forces' first choice in strategy. After his remarks, Mr. Frost answered questions on his trip to the Persian Gulf from the audience.