Burkle Forum

Tuesday, May 11, 2004
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Ackerman Union
Second Floor Lounge
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Anthony C. Zinni, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and a four-star Marine General (now retired), recently served as head of Central Command responsible for US forces in the Middle East. 

Zinni's opposition to U.S.policy on Iraq actually began in 1970 as he lay recuperating from three rounds of an AK-47 assault rifle during his second tour of Vietnam.  He had plenty of time to think in the hospital and promised himself that "If I'm ever in a position to say what I think is right, I will.  I don't care what happens to my career."

That time has arrived...at a Navy/Marine sponsored forum last Fall, this is what he had to say..."My contemporaries, our feelings and sensitivities were forged on the battlefields of Vietnam, where we heard the garbage and the lies, and we saw the sacrifice.  I ask you, is it happening again?"...this was followed by applause that kept going and going...with many of the officers on their feet...Zinni's passage from obedient general to outspoken opponent was complete.

open to the public

Cost : free

Sponsor(s): Burkle Center for International Relations