WASHINGTON - At least three retired generals have told the White House they don't want a new job overseeing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Retired Marine Gen. John J. Sheehan is one of the four-star generals who declined to be considered for the job, which would have authority over civilian agencies such as the State Department, as well as the military, The Washington Post reported.
"The very fundamental issue is, they don't know where the hell they're going," Sheehan, a former NATO commander, told the Post. "So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks.'"
Sources told the Post that, besides Sheehan, Army Gen. Jack Keane and Air Force Gen. Joseph W. Ralston declined overtures regarding the new job.
Sources told the newspaper that U.S. President George Bush did not plan on announcing the new "war czar" position until he had a person to fill it.
The position would address concerns over coordinating the U.S. government's civilian and military work in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Post said the White House often has to mediate disputes between the Defense and State departments.
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