So How’s That Odierno-Hill Relationship Working?

Tom Ricks reported earlier this week that Gen. Odierno’s relationship with the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Chris Hill, is “deteriorating rapidly.” Hill denied it to Ricks’ Foreign Policy colleague Josh Rogin. Ricks sticks to his story. So now Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) asked Odierno how it’s More…

Chris Hill vs. the Iraqi Status of Forces Agreement Referendum

Alissa J. Rubin has a great story in The New York Times today about a crucial issue in Iraq (which some wags are starting to call the “Forgotten War”): an upcoming referendum that, if passed, would compel the United States to withdraw its troops from Iraq within a More…

Chris Hill’s Vote Set for April 20

DS at Diplopundit — who I gather is a Foreign Service Officer…? – points out that there’s a cloture vote for Chris Hill’s nomination to be ambassador to Iraq on the Senate calendar for April 20 at 5:30 p.m., the first day back from the Congressional recess. I More…

Chris Hill Confirmation Hearing: The Six-Party North Korea Talks And Iraq

Hill takes on his North Korea experience. All of the north’s neighbors “come with a long history, so you’ve got to work these issues through.” With Iraq, “it’s obviously a different mission, a different goal we’re trying to… accomplish,” but included is the role of ensuring “these countries respect Iraqi More…

White House Sticking With Its Iraq Pick

The Obama administration is confident in its choice to replace the well-regarded Ryan Crocker as the next ambassador to Iraq — despite an unexpected level of GOP opposition to the pick.

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Thursday issued a statement opposing More…