No takers yet for war czar duty

The White House wants to appoint a czar to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with authority to issue directions to the Pentagon, State Department and other agencies but has had trouble finding anyone able and willing to take the job, according to people close to the situation.

At least three retired four-star generals approached by the White House in recent weeks have declined to be considered for the job, the Post has learned.

“The very fundamental issue is, they don’t know where ... they’re going,” said retired Marine Gen. John J. “Jack” Sheehan, a former top NATO commander who was among those rejecting the job. Sheehan said he believes Vice President Dick Cheney and his allies remain more powerful within the administration than pragmatists looking for a way out of Iraq.

“So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, ‘No thanks,’ ” he said.

The White House has not disclosed its interest in creating the position. Officials are still considering ways to reorganize management of the two conflicts.