Posted on 02/04/2009 8:48:59 AM PST by kristinn
The Obama administration asked retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni to be U.S. ambassador to Iraq but abruptly withdrew the appointment without explanation, Gen. Zinni said Tuesday.
Gen. Zinni, a former commander of Central Command, told The Washington Times that he had been offered the job by the White House national security adviser, retired Marine Gen. James Jones, two weeks ago and that Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton confirmed the offer on Jan. 26.
"I started making arrangements," Gen. Zinni said, but became concerned because he heard nothing further from the State Department or White House. He called Gen. Jones Monday night and was told that Christopher Hill, the outgoing assistant secretary of State for East Asia, was getting the job.
Gen. Zinni said no explanation was given. "That kind of bothered me," he said. "I was told that I had it."
Tommy Vietor, a White House spokesman, said, "We have spoken to a number of extraordinarily talented individuals about serving in this important role, and have made no announcement about who will be the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
"Obviously, the president has enormous respect for Gen. Zinni, and believes he would be on anybody's short list for a number of critical national security roles."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Ping
Tommy Vietor, a White House spokesman, said, "We have spoken to a number of extraordinarily talented individuals about serving in this important role...Dude, there's a huge difference between speaking to people and having the National Security Advisor make the offer and then having the Secretary of State confirm that offer. Sheesh, what a bunch of morons.
I could ask the question why Zinni would want to work for Clinton anyway, knowing full well how she and Bubba treated the military for eight years.
"Hope" has been transmuted to "Fear".
And "Change" seems to apply to every decision.
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