With the apparent capitulation of the Iraqi leadership, the US government is preparing to send a former army general to the country to establish administrative authority over parts of the republic.

According to the Washington Post today, a Pentagon-appointed retired army Lt. Gen Jay M Garner ( photo ), has been ensconced in Kuwait City with scores of aides , to work with Iraqis who will be selected to run various government ministries.

"Officials said Garner's team within days will deploy to points in the north and the south while waiting word that Baghdad has been secured," added the Post .