Top brass disturbed by GOP stalling of Iraq ambassador

Top brass disturbed by GOP stalling of Iraq ambassador
Wed, 03/18/2009 - 5:36pm


There's one as yet unremarked constituency increasingly disturbed by some Republican senators' efforts to block the confirmation of former North Korea envoy Christopher Hill to be the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq: the U.S. military.

Sources tell The Cable that Centcom commander Gen. David Petraeus, top Iraq commander Gen. Raymond Odierno, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates are frustrated by the delay in getting a U.S. ambassador confirmed and into place in Iraq, and support Hill's confirmation proceeding swiftly.

Opposition to the Hill appointment has been led by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), Sam Brownback (R-KS), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Brownback has called Hill's past dealings with Congress over North Korea "evasive and unprofessional." In a joint statement last week, McCain and Graham wrote that Hill had a "controversial legacy" on North Korea, and added, "The next ambassador should have experience in the Middle East and in working closely with the U.S. military in counterinsurgency or counterterrorism operations. Mr. Hill has neither."

Since the previous ambassador, Ryan Crocker, left the job Feb. 13, Odierno has complained of doing double duty: serving as the commanding general and the de facto ambassador.

The power vacuum in Baghdad comes at a critical juncture in Iraq's transition, sources noted. The U.S. mission is becoming increasingly focused on political stabilization and economic development over military missions; Arab-Kurd tensions are rising in the north; struggles for dominance within and across sectarian groups are heating up in the aftermath of January's provincial elections; the Baghdad government is facing tough budget choices due to declining oil prices; and national elections that will determine whether Iraq can consolidate its democracy are due by year's end.

Keeping a lid on such political tensions is "crucial to consolidating the security gains from the surge," a Washington Iraq hand said, "yet the advocates of the surge want to slow down the process of getting an ambassador to Iraq."

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http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/03/18/top_brass_disturbed_by_gop_stalling_of_iraq_ambassador

these Repugs. They are just putting up roadblocks all over the place to disable President Obama and trying to make him fail.
We American's need to be more to be more vocal in outing these Repugs for what they are doing and letting them know that they are not only hurting us but they are gravely hurting their chances of ever being a strong party again.

Stop the BS and confirm Hill.

Hill has loads of experience and is a fresh eye to a mess.

The GOP has no interest other than turf battles and so too do fraction's in the Democratic party alas.

These tactics lose valuable time and weaken the ability for comprehensive policy in any area, foreign or domestic.

And, coincidentally, on the sixth year anniversary of George W. Bush's unjust, aggressive invasion of Iraq...

Top brass disturbed by GOP stalling of Iraq ambassador, March 18, 2009




Bill Kristol in the Washington Post, February 26, 2009:






Obstruct and delay.

It's what's on Republicans' and Conservadems' agenda.

who wanted us to think he was so beholden to the military, McCain sure isn't showing that. Then again, I never bought his act.