Next, A New Big Picture Guy Bound for Baghdad?

US News and World Report ^ | Week of May 5, 2003 | Paul Bedard

[ewing]

The Bush Administration is considering appointing a new civilian 'superboss' to oversee the rebuilding program in Iraq.

The new post would likely be headquartered in Baghdad and be over Washington's current supervisor in Iraq, Lt. Gen Jay Garner, say very senior sources. The plan is 'under consideration,' says a top administration official.

If it happens, insiders say, it will be a victory for the State Department, which has been sparring with the Pentagon over who is in charge of the rebuilding program.

Garner's role is to get Iraq up and running: making sure water and electricity work, rebuilding roads, opening key ministries. Senior Bushies now say they want a bigtime diplomat to help create a new government. 'They want somebody interested in the bigger picture, the government,' says one insider.

Second: Garner is considered the Pentagon's guy and the State Department, with congressional backing, wants to run the postwar show. Suggests a source: 'State wants their own civillian running the show, not (Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfelds) civilian.'

[ewing]

If I was Rove I would get active and cut State off at the knees here, or perhaps this is a tradeoff to keep Powell on board.

[Dog Gone]

I nominate Newt Gingrich for the slot.

[EGPWS]

it will be a victory for the State Department

This wouldn't be good. The defense department has done a fabulous job so far and the State department has done nothing but impede our eforts in Iraq. (IMHO)

[annyokie]

Agreed. And, IMO, Newt should sit down and shut up.

[EGPWS]

Agreed. And, IMO, Newt should sit down and shut up.

Well I think he should sit down for he has no business in Government affairs any longer, but I DO appreciate his opinions for in the past when he was a part of the "beltway" he did talk sense.

[annyokie]

No question that Newt is a brilliant man. However, he is divisive and bellicose. I appreciate his opinions when he is reasoned and not so strident, but, I don't have the information that he may have either.

[CedarDave]

If the State Department gets involved the word "quagmire" will indeed become operative.

[marktwain]

No question that Newt is a brilliant man. However, he is divisive and bellicose. I appreciate his opinions when he is reasoned and not so strident, but, I don't have the information that he may have either.

He is only divisive and bellicose as portrayed by the OldDominantLiberealMedia. He has enormous depth in his long term vision. I think he would be a brilliant addition to the team shaping a new Iraqi government. At the least, his advise should be listened to carefully.

[annyokie]

I don't know. I watched him on FOX several times and all he did was tick me off. He has my admiration for 1994, however.

[EGPWS]

he is divisive and bellicose

Considering the times I consider that a commendable attribute. He never, ever has stumbled in his communication, whether appealing to one or not, and to me is a quality that most people in the government mainstream could learn from.

[unspun]

"Garner's role is to get Iraq up and running: making sure water and electricity work, rebuilding roads, opening key ministries. "

Seems to me that we might have had those kinds of guys there in the first week of the war.

[Urbane_Guerilla]

No question that Newt is a brilliant man. However, he is divisive and bellicose.

Agreed. And he is a pompous egotistical windbag who (risibly) decided that the Republican takeover of the House made him a world-historical figure, and acted accordingly to the detriment of the conservative cause. Gingrich has zero credibility, especially in light of his apparent cruelty toward others.

[swheats]

From what I've come to understand it appears that Newt's anger is not with Powell. It is with all those who have been apart of previous administrations with the State Department that is impeding Powell's and Bush's agenda.

This appears to be orchestrated to overhaul the State Dept which is probably long overdue. Hearing Newt this morning state that not only were the State Dept ineffective in Afghanistan but State is already giving excuses of why things can't be accomplished in Iraq. If not a complete overhaul it more than justifies why Powell should head up something outside of the jurisdiction of the State Department on Iraq's behalf.

[swheats]

especially in light of his apparent cruelty toward others.

What are those apparent cruelties toward others? I'm not as familiar with Newt's history.

[nonomous]

If I was Rove I would get active and cut State off at the knees here

Agreed! 'Big Picture Guy' is a code word for "United Nations friendly" guy.

[Urbane_Guerilla]

Gingrich humiliated both his ex-wives, treating them like trash. Do a google search for details. It is impossible to have respect for a man who treats women the way Gingrich did.

[annyokie]

Newt suffers from the same syndrome as Beelzebubba: My opinions are so important that I can't sit down and shut up even though I no longer have the swing to change things.

Me, I can spout off on FR since I am a private citizen ; )

[Urbane_Guerilla]

Beelzebubba

LOL ... never saw that one before. Funny and true.

[annyokie]

Glad to be of service! There is a poster her by that name, but may be spelled a bit differently. Here's a pic for you: