It is highly unlikely that this issues is only as depicted in the media - and most probable that there are other issues at play in Obama's decision. If McCrystal spoke so openly to the media, it is probable he spoke equally openly to others in the force.


If that is the case, he has breached one of the cardinal rules of CEOship - that of engendering confidence in subordinates and maintaining the confidence of the Board. In the military, that is a fundamental principle as lives depend on trusting others.
 
Leaving aside strategic war issues, Obama was entirely correct in making this decision. Either the media's quotes of McCrystal were wrong or they were right. If they are right, then there is no room for reconciliation as McCrystal had lost the President's confidence and had to go.