3 generals spurn war ‘czar’ post-Bush seeks overseer for Iraq, Afghanistan

[babylonsister]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18026723/

3 generals spurn war ‘czar’ post
Bush seeks overseer for Iraq, Afghanistan


The White House wants to appoint a high-powered czar to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with authority to issue directions to the Pentagon, the State Department and other agencies, but it has had trouble finding anyone able and willing to take the job, according to people close to the situation.

At least three retired four-star generals approached by the White House in recent weeks have declined to be considered for the position, the sources said, underscoring the administration's difficulty in enlisting its top recruits to join the team after five years of warfare that have taxed the United States and its military.

"The very fundamental issue is, they don't know where the hell they're going," said retired Marine Gen. John J. "Jack" Sheehan, a former top NATO commander who was among those rejecting the job. Sheehan said he believes that Vice President Cheney and his hawkish allies remain more powerful within the administration than pragmatists looking for a way out of Iraq. "So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks,' " he said.

The White House has not publicly disclosed its interest in creating the position, hoping to find someone President Bush can anoint and announce for the post all at once. Officials said they are still considering options for how to reorganize the White House's management of the two conflicts. If they cannot find a person suited for the sort of specially empowered office they envision, they said, they may have to retain the current structure.

The administration's interest in the idea stems from long-standing concern over the coordination of civilian and military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan by different parts of the U.S. government. The Defense and State departments have long struggled over their roles and responsibilities in Iraq, with the White House often forced to referee.

more...

[Sherman A1]

1. Interesting

and along with the other post on the exit of West Point Grads from the service following their required duty, yet more evidence that our Esteemed Mr. Bush has broken the military.

[CJCRANE]

2. Vacancy: deck chair monitor on Titanic n/t

[DrDan]

3. gosh - I would thing junior would love the title "Czar"

He could dress up in some really cool clothes - order people about - give them cool nicknames . . .

[babylonsister]

4. 'Czar of the homeland' has a nice ring to it, now that you mention it...

[DrDan]

6. that is one great picture!!!!!

How appropriate . . .

He could carry a little rubber sword . . find a cool hat with a purple plume . . . award himself lots of medals . . . have a decorated codpiece for summertime wear . . . have a cool throne . . . hold audiences with obscure African rulers . . . issue holiday proclamations . . . have a stamp in his honor . . . issue his own 3-dollar bill currency

finally - a role that offers all he is seeking

[Frank Cannon]

5. Wanted: One War Czar. Must answer to the name "Patsy". n/t

[sendero]

7. At least some of these military leaders...

.. have a brain and common sense. There is no military solution to these problems, and it doesn't take a guru to see that.

Too bad Patreaus will sacrifice his good name on the alter of this ongoing debacle. Given all the glowing praise for the guy, you'd have thought he had more sense. I'm sure in his mind it is a form of noblesse oblige, but that doesn't really help.

The military leaders should have put their foot down on this issue 2 years ago. Too late now.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

8. Hmmm. Somebody to oversee the military...Hmmm

That's an intriguing notion. Perhaps this could be a person elected by the people of the United States. Perhaps this person could be accountable to Congress for the conduct of military operations and perhaps we could give this person the title:

COMMANDER IN FUCKING CHIEF

...freaking dimwit