Americas

Bush war adviser was skeptical on Iraq

(AP)
Updated: 2007-06-07 08:37

"No one is satisfied with the status quo: not the Iraqis, not key regional partners, not the US government, and not the American public," according to his prepared remarks.

Lute noted that "conditions on the ground are deeply complex and are likely to continue to evolve - meaning that we must constantly adapt."

Lute has meet in private with committee members. While Lute's position has drawn questions, lawmakers said his character has not.

"He has a lot of stature," said Sen. Ben Nelson , D-Neb. "This is a very good general."

When asked whether he thinks Lute could make a difference in the war effort, Levin indicated he had his doubts.

"Look, the policy is set by the president," the chairman told a reporter shortly before meeting with Lute.

Another concern is whether Lute would be exempt from testifying before Congress in future hearings on Iraq because of his role as a presidential adviser. White House officials have not guaranteed the war adviser will be made available, claiming executive privilege.

Sen. Robert Byrd , D-W.Va., "believes this is a position that has a strong role in this war ... and that the people's representatives ought to have the ability to talk to and ask questions" of the individual, said Byrd's spokesman Tom Gavin.

Lute has been director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff since September. Before that, he served for more than two years as director of operations at US Central Command, during which he helped oversee combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last month, when Bush announced that Lute was his choice, the president described him as an "accomplished military leader who understands war and government and knows how to get things done."