General Franks to Rule Post-War Iraq?

Post-Hussein Iraq with Franks in charge

The head of the US military's Central Command, Gen. Tommy Franks, will rule Iraq in the initial aftermath of a US invasion to overthrow President Saddam Hussein.

Administration officials briefed senators Tuesday on postwar planning, stressing that the US goal is "to liberate Iraq, not to occupy it," and last week a US envoy told leaders of Iraqi groups opposed to Hussein about American intentions.

The senators were told that even under good circumstances, it would take two years before the military could fully transfer control to an Iraqi government. As presented, the plan recalls postwar Germany and Japan, where American military occupations paved the way for transfers of power to democratic and constitutionally backed governments.

This is the guy who's been working to improve Afghanistan.

CENTCOM's biography details quite a career. He got promoted to CIC just in time to get lime-lighted for the USS Cole attack. He has been criticized for his conventional approach to war and he's well-known for his distaste for the PR side of the job.

He is currently under investigation for allegedly letting his wife sit in on some classified military briefings and for some minor security infractions involving her.

I predict that by the end of this month, everyone will be doing their best to dig up dirt on this guy.

Posted by Drizzten at February 13, 2003 07:04 PM