WP Story on Negroponte

Well, it's good to see that not everyone in the mainstream media has forgotten that June 30 ain't too far off. Good coverage on the man taking over the mess (see this earlier BWJ entry on Negroponte). Well, apparently not the whole mess--according to this National Security Presidential Directive obtained by Steve Aftergood at the Federation of American Scientists, the U.S. Military retains authority over security and military operations:

When the CPA is terminated, the United States will be represented in Iraq by a Chief of Mission, who on my behalf and under the guidance of the Secretary of State, shall be responsible for the direction, coordination and supervision of all United States government employees, policies, and activities in country, except those under the command of an area military commander, and employees seconded to an International Organization.

Commander, USCENTCOM, under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, shall continue to be responsible for U.S. efforts with respect to security and military operations in Iraq. In all activities, the Chief of Mission and Commander, USCENTCOM, shall ensure the closest cooperation and mutual support.

The Presidential Directive also provides that the Secretary of Defense gets to choose the Director for a new temporary office called the "Project and Accounting Office," whose services include "engineering, auditing, and other contract-related services."

And of course, our role is limited anyway seeing that Iraq will get "full sovereignty" on June 30. (I'll believe it when I see it).

Thanks to Talking Points Memo for pointing me to the Presidential Directive.