Scientist declines top Iraq post (hope this isn't a dupe)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/05/26/iraq.shahristani/index.html

<snip>

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- An Iraqi nuclear scientist who had been proposed for a top job with the interim government does not want a role, a spokesman for the United Nations top political envoy in Iraq said Wednesday in a statement.

In addition to removing himself from possible consideration as prime minister, Hussain al-Shahristani removed himself from consideration for any government post, according to the statement, from U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

The United Nations said Brahimi met Shahristani several times and "has no doubt that Mr. Shahristani could serve his country well in a number of positions in government. ... Mr. Shahristani, however, has himself clarified that he would prefer to serve his country in other ways."

Senior administration officials had leaked Shahristani's name Tuesday as a candidate for the job of prime minister.

Brahimi said such leaks could jeopardize the high-stakes process of naming the interim Iraqi government that is to take over when the occupation ends June 30.

<snip>

Continue discussion here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=584650