Republicans resent ex-general's Iraq talk

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Republicans are angry with disparaging remarks the retired former military commander in Iraq made about political accountability.

In weekend news shows, various Republicans questioned the comments Friday made by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, who called the war "a nightmare with no end in sight," CNN reported.

Sanchez, who led the war in 2003 and 2004, said there was no accountability for U.S. President George Bush, the U.S. Congress and the State Department, although a military officer who behaved the same way would face court-martial.

Sunday night, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told CNN the remarks were baffling.

"I'm astounded, really," Graham said. "Every time we talked to General Sanchez, we got pushback -- we have enough troops; Guard and reserves aren't being strained."

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told ABC he couldn't agree with Sanchez, while Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., lashed out at Sanchez on CBS, saying Sanchez should have spoken out at the time or resigned.