Maliki chooses Qanbar as Baghdad commander over reported U.S. objection

A janitor moves amongst some of the dozens of bodies discovered around Baghdad today. Such discoveries are a daily occurence.

BAGHDAD -- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has filled the top military job in Baghdad with a virtually unknown Iraqi officer chosen over the objections of top US and Iraqi military commanders, according to officials from both governments.

Iraqi political figures said yesterday that Maliki also had failed to consult the leaders of other political factions before announcing the appointment of Lieutenant General Abud Qanbar.

The appointment is highly significant because it is Maliki's first public move after President Bush's announcement that he is sending more troops to Iraq. The prime mission for those troops would be an effort to reduce violence in Baghdad. As the Iraqi commander for the capital, Qanbar would play a central role in that campaign.

Read the rest at the Boston Globe

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