General (Casey) Who Led Iraq War Faces Scrutiny (Today)

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http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-US-Iraq.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

General Who Led Iraq War Faces Scrutiny


Published: February 1, 2007

Filed at 6:30 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Gen. George Casey, who led the Iraq war for more than two tumultuous years, is coming under intense scrutiny for a new Pentagon job as two influential senators try to gain GOP support for a compromise resolution against President Bush's troop buildup.

The resolution is likely to pose a threat to the White House because of its potential appeal to Republicans who have grown tired of the nearly four-year war and want a chance to express their concerns. The White House has been hoping to avoid an overwhelming congressional vote criticizing Bush's handling of the war.

Casey, picked by Bush to become Army chief of staff, was to testify Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Its chairman, Democratic Sen. Carl Levin, and former chairman, Republican Sen. John Warner, agreed Wednesday to offer a resolution that would oppose Bush's decision to send 21,500 more troops into Iraq but protect funding for them.

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Casey told the bipartisan Iraq Study Group more troops in Iraq were not needed, according to members of the independent panel. Casey later indicated support for the president's plan, a position expected to prompt tough questions from Levin.

''He is a good man and I have every reason to believe he will do well as the chief,'' said retired Gen. Gordon Smith, former Army chief of staff. ''The challenges are many and he is up to the task.''