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US names general to be 'war tsar' US names general to be 'war tsar'
(30 minutes later)
US President George W Bush has named a senior general to be the first American "war tsar".US President George W Bush has named a senior general to be the first American "war tsar".
Lt Gen Douglas Lute, currently serving as director of operations at the Pentagon, will co-ordinate the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.Lt Gen Douglas Lute, currently serving as director of operations at the Pentagon, will co-ordinate the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He will become deputy national security adviser to the president for Iraq and Afghanistan policy. He will report directly to Mr Bush as deputy national security adviser.
Gen Lute was appointed after a lengthy search in which several candidates apparently turned down the position. Gen Lute was appointed after a lengthy search in which several candidates apparently turned down the position. He must be confirmed by the US Senate.
He must be confirmed by the US Senate before he takes up his position. President Bush is expected to make an official announcement about Mr Lute's appointment on Wednesday.
Role unclear Turf wars
If confirmed, Gen Lute, 55, would take the role in the middle of an increased US military "surge" in Iraq, and amid ongoing conflict against Taleban rebels in Afghanistan. If confirmed, Gen Lute, 55, would take his post as the US battles militants in Iraq and Taleban rebels in Afghanistan.
He would also begin work against the backdrop of attempts by congressional Democrats to restrict funding for Iraq, or to tie future funding to evidence of progress. LT GEN DOUGLAS LUTE Graduated from West Point academy 1975Active in 1991 Gulf WarCommander, Kosovo, 2002US Central Command, 2004-06Pentagon 2006-07 He would also begin work against the backdrop of attempts by congressional Democrats to restrict funding for Iraq, or to tie future funding to evidence of progress.
Correspondents say it is unclear exactly what General Lute will do, and whether the job will involve settling turf wars between the Pentagon and the state department.Correspondents say it is unclear exactly what General Lute will do, and whether the job will involve settling turf wars between the Pentagon and the state department.
He will serve as an adviser to the president but will also keep his military position and three-star ranking, reports said.He will serve as an adviser to the president but will also keep his military position and three-star ranking, reports said.
The Associated Press news agency reported that the new appointee would speak for the president concerning developments in the conflict areas and smooth over differences between rival departments.
Several White House security officials have left the administration in recent months.Several White House security officials have left the administration in recent months.