Hagel: Next US Secretary of War

Hagel: Next US Secretary of War
Local Editor – moqawama.org

US President Barack Obama is ready to nominate former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of war, the Daily Beast reported Friday, citing sources privy to the process.

According to key Democrats working on the nomination, Obama reached the decision this week, after ruling out Ash Carter, the current deputy secretary of defense, and Michèle Flournoy, a former top Pentagon official, for the position.

In parallel, the nomination is expected to be announced on Monday or Tuesday.

It is worth mentioning that “Israel” and AIPAC are leading a campaign against Hagel, who is known for his opposition to Iranian sanctions and support for direct unconditional talks with the leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Moreover, he called for direct negotiations with Hamas.

Meanwhile, Hagel attracted support from pundits and former US national security officials known for their opposition to what to be a vast pro-“Israel” lobby.

According to the Daily Beast, when he was a senator, Hagel often made sure not to sign letters circulated by the American “Israel” Public Affairs Committee. He also voted against resolutions proposing sanctions against Iran and branding the Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group. In 2009, when he was out of office, Hagel signed a letter urging the Obama administration to encourage the Palestinian Authority reconcile with Hamas. …source