WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush has chosen a war czar to oversee the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute is the Pentagon's director of operations and a former leader of U.S. military forces in the Middle East.

Lute's efforts will directly support Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq; U.S. commanders in Afghanistan; and the U.S. ambassadors to Iraq and Afghanistan, Bush said.

"Nothing is more important than getting Admiral Fallon, General Petraeus, American commanders in Afghanistan, and Ambassadors (Ryan) Crocker and (William) Wood what they need, and Douglas Lute can make sure that happens quickly and reliably," the president said.

Bush praised Lute as "a tremendously accomplished military leader who understands war and government and knows how to get things done."

While serving more than two years as director of operations at U.S. Central Command, Lute played a role in implementing combat operation plans in Iraq and Afghanistan and gained a understanding of the challenges being faced in the war on terror, the president noted.

"He has already earned the respect and trust of the officials with whom he will be working in his new role," Bush said.

Petraeus praised the president's choice for the new post.

"Doug Lute knows Iraq, the region and Washington, and he'll be a great addition to the team that is striving to achieve success in Iraq," Petraeus said. "He is also a doer."

Crocker was also enthusiastic about Lute's nomination.

"His knowledge and experience will make him a valuable partner to our efforts in Iraq," he said. "I look forward to working closely with Lt. Gen. Doug Lute in the coming months. His knowledge and experience will make him a valuable partner to our efforts in Iraq."

It's a tough job to fill, given the unpopularity of the war. There have also been questions about the clout the war coordinator would have.

Lute would serve as an assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser, and would also maintain his military status and rank as a three-star general.

The White House has avoided the term "war czar." Bush called him the "full-time manager" for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.