so what kind of credentials are held by Christopher Hill?
Career diplomat within the Foreign Service. Think he spent couple of years in Black Shoe Navy, not sure. Met him several times at State in meetings on export controls.
Is a stand-up guy, smart and well liked. He is not an ideologue.
As far as selection - Hill vs Zinni; the old sage "it ain't over till it is over" applies aptly to any promise of a job in the politico sphere, Mr. Zinni should have known that.
In my view, C. Hill is a far better choice; a senior military guy is the last thing we need representing the US in Iraq at this point in time.