WASHINGTON, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- A leading US newspaper published on Thursday a by-line story, complaining that former American overseer Paul Bremer sneaked out of Iraq while hundreds of thousands US troops have to remain in the dangerous country.

    "Paul Bremer scuttled out Baghdad so fast, he didn't even wait for the new ambassador, John Negroponte, to arrive so he could pass along some safety tips," said the article on the New York Times.

    The article's writer, Maureen Dowd, believed that Negroponte is assuming "the most perilous diplomatic post in the world".

    Dowd also criticized US President George W. Bush for his claim about Iraq.

    "The president acted as if Iraq was in control but our forces can't come home because Iraq's still out of control.

    "American troops are still trapped in Iraq and being killed there, and 5,600 ex-soldiers are being involuntarily recalled in America's undeclared draft," the article said.

    The article also quoted Bremer who talked about his feeling of returning home as saying: "Well, its like having a rather large weight lifted off my shoulders...I'm delighted to be back."

    With a sigh, the article said: "If only our soldiers could say the same." Enditem