Responding to a question raised by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin at his confirmation hearing on the Capitol Hill, Lute, a skeptic of Bush's troop surge plan in Iraq, said it may be correct that the Iraqi government will only work to end sectarian conflict if it has to.

In that context, a withdrawal "ought to be considered," he said.

Lute also told senators that he was skeptical when first presented with Bush's plan to increase troop strength in Iraq.

Lute is currently director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Defense Department, a position he's held since September 2006.

In his new position known as the "war czar," he'll become an assistant to Bush and deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan.

He'll have the authority to manage the administration's strategies in both wars and coordinate the policies of government agencies with roles in both countries, including the Defense and State departments.

Bush nominated Lute, a three-star general, on May 15. No date is set for the Senate Armed Services Committee's vote on Lute's nomination. His nomination must be approved by the full Senate.