Bush Names Surge Skeptic War Czar

After public rejection by at least five prominent former generals, the Bush administration named its war czar, three-star general Douglas Lute. The Washington Post describes Lute as a low-key soldier who expressed skepticism about sending more troops to Iraq. Durning internal discussions, Lute is said to have argued that a short-term surge would have little effect.

Currently the director of operations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lute will be charged with coordinating strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan, cutting through bureaucracy that has hampered effectiveness. He will have authority to deal directly with Cabiet secretaries and top commanders, many of whom outrank him.  (More Bush administration stories.)