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Czar Wars

So, today we learn, not surprisingly, that while the Bush administration has been scolding Congress for supposedly trying to "micromanage" the war in Iraq by passing appropriations bills that set a timetable for withdrawal, they have been secretly trying to find someone to do just that (minus the bit about withdrawal, of course). But, so far, there haven't been any takers.
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.

You can't really blame them. They would essentially be taking a job whereby they would be responsible for the piss poor progress of the wars under their purview without any real ability to make changes since the Cheney cabal would still be the real movers and shakers. As one of the generals who passed on the offer said "So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks,' ".

Here's some Pepto, General. We've all had this queasy for a while now.

More from Meme.

Update: Robert Parry weighs in.

(Filed at State of the Day)