Bush war adviser was skeptical on Iraq

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Bush war adviser was skeptical on Iraq

By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer
9 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, picked by President Bush as his White
House war adviser, said Wednesday he had been skeptical of Bush's decision
to send thousands more U.S. troops into Iraq.

In a written response to questions by the Senate Armed Services Committee,
Lute confirmed news reports that he had voiced doubts during a White House-
led policy review that led to Bush'sJan. 10 announcement that 21,500 more
combat troops would go to Baghdad and Anbar province.

The buildup was hotly contested in Congress, including among several
Republicans who favored greater pressure on Iraqi security forces to take
over combat.

"During the review, I registered concerns that a military 'surge' would likely
have only temporary and localized effects unless it were accompanied by
counterpart 'surges' by the Iraqi government and the other, nonmilitary
agencies of the U.S. government," Lute wrote in a document obtained by
The Associated Press.

-snip-


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070606/ap_on_go_co/war_adviser_4

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Really general so why did you take the post

as war czar?

Oh hold it, you are doing some pre-emtive CYA

[sutz12]

2. Well, he is a soldier...

He is required to follow orders, regardless of his personal feelings about the chances of success.

[keopeli]

3. He wasn't ordered to become the War Czar. n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. One he wasn't required the war czar

post is OUTSIDE the army chain of command

And soldiers can resign commisions...

Trust me... I know.

:-)

[Blue-Jay]

5. A "war adviser". That's just fuckin' great.

I'm getting to the point where I don't even feel like being outraged anymore. I think I'm in "wait the bastards out" mode now.