U.S. objected to Iraqi commander choice

BAGHDAD, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki chose a virtual unknown for the top military job in Baghdad over U.S. objections, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Iraqi political figures told the newspaper Maliki had not consulted with leaders of other political factions before announcing the appointment of Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar. It was Maliki's first public move following U.S. President George W. Bush's announcement Wednesday that he is ordering 21,500 more troops to Iraq.

Qanbar, as the top Iraqi commander for Baghdad, is expected to play a central role in the primary mission of the new troops -- to tamp down violence in Baghdad.

Maliki's decision to reject another officer for the position -- who was considered more qualified by the top U.S. commander, Gen. George Casey -- renewed questions about Maliki's intentions, the newspaper said.

"It's a delicate situation," said Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman. "It's very dangerous if it turns out that he has affiliations" with Maliki's political party and the anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Qanbar was a commander in the navy when Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq.