Czardom to be established

U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid announced this week he would sponsor legislation to create an Islamic State “czar.” He said he envisioned a federal employee who is “empowered to unify the federal government's efforts.”

The federal government has occasionally used officials with enhanced powers, informally called “czars,” in fields like energy and illicit drugs. They have not been noted for great effectiveness, though during the 1940s—when the nation was greatly unified in wartime—they had better reputations.

The White House last week announced Robert Malley would handle all things related to IS. Reid's bill would enhance his powers.