BBC NEWS | Americas | US 'war tsar' had doubts on surge

BBC NEWS | Americas | US 'war tsar' had doubts on surge: "The general nominated to be the first US 'war tsar' has said he had initial doubts about the US troop surge in Iraq but that it should be given time.

Lt Gen Douglas Lute, picked last month by President Bush to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was speaking at his Senate confirmation hearing.

He said he had warned that pouring more troops into Iraq would only work if the Iraqi authorities also made efforts.

The Senate committee is expected to confirm Gen Lute in the post.

Once confirmed, he will report directly to President George W Bush as deputy national security adviser.

Gen Lute, 55, was appointed after a lengthy search in which several candidates apparently turned down the position. He is currently serving as director of operations at the Pentagon." Read complete post here.