Is Lute the right kind of 'war czar'?
Bush's pick to organize US efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan is a respected general, but some analysts prefer a civilian mind-set.
from the May 17, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
Others turned down job
Before the selection of Lute, the White House had solicited other individuals, many of whom were retired military officers. But all reportedly refused to take the job. One was retired Marine Gen. John "Jack" Sheehan, a former commander of NATO forces. Mr. Sheehan took a pass because he doesn't think the administration has a coherent strategy, according to The Washington Post, which first reported on the job last month.
Lute, if confirmed, will be dealing with issues at the highest levels of government that are, in military jargon, "beyond his pay grade": He would be outranked by most of the individuals with whom he would be dealing. That means Lute will have to get things done by gentle persuasion, acting on behalf of the president, says Michele Flournoy, a former analyst in Washington who is launching a new group called the Center for a New American Security.
Such a role has worked in previous administrations, she says, but in this case, it's "too little, too late."
"No improved US coordination can compensate for a strategy that is not working," she says. "It is very difficult this late in the game to change the dynamics of policymaking."
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