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  • Secretary of Defense

    Why Does Iran Endorse Chuck Hagel?

    Just how diplomatic would former Senator Chuck Hagel (R–NE) be as Secretary of Defense? The fact that Iran backs Hagel’s nomination should give Senators pause. Hagel has called repeatedly for better relations with Iran, the worst state sponsor of terrorism in history. In several past speeches (some not provided to … More

    Lack of Support for Hagel Hardly “Unconscionable”

    The United States Senate declined to support Secretary of Defense nominee and former Senator Chuck Hagel today, after failing to reach consensus to clear a Senate procedural hurdle. Even before the vote, the White House was quick to label requests for further information on Hagel’s finances “unconscionable” and urge confirmation … More

    Chuck Hagel Must Answer Chinese Challenge to U.S. Space Dominance

    When Congress holds hearings on Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Secretary of Defense, they should pay close attention to his position on U.S. space capabilities. As Secretary of Defense, he would have responsibility for ensuring that the U.S. maintains the ability to access space as necessary, a position that is increasingly … More

    WATCH: Google+ Hangout on the Kerry, Hagel, and Brennan Nominations

    This week marked the beginning of the United States Senate’s confirmation process for three key Administration positions: Senator John Kerry (D–MA) for Secretary of State, former Senator Chuck Hagel (R–NE) for Secretary of Defense, and White House chief counterterrorism advisor John Brennan for director of the CIA. All three have … More

    Obama Inauguration Speech: Ignoring Problems Does Not Make Them Go Away

    Not to rain on President Obama’s parade, but the world is a dangerous place. America cannot afford to place “hope” above reality when it comes to its foreign policy. Although the U.S. faces many overseas challenges, there was barely any mention in President Obama’s inauguration speech of what America’s role … More

    Nuclear Modernization, the State Department Would Have You Think

    The State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance recently published a fact sheet on “U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise Infrastructure Modernization.” The name is true to the notion of language twisting outlined in Orwell’s 1984 novel, because the United States is currently engaged in sustainment rather than real nuclear … More

    The Senate Must Press Obama Foreign Policy Nominees on Europe

    In the coming weeks, the Senate will begin the confirmation process for three key Administration positions: Senator John Kerry (D–MA) for Secretary of State, former Senator Chuck Hagel (R–NE) for Secretary of Defense, and White House Chief Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan for Director of the CIA. All three have been … More

    Iran Endorses Obama Pick Hagel for U.S. Secretary of Defense

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry dumped more fuel on the fire of former Senator Chuck Hagel’s (R–NE) nomination for Secretary of Defense by announcing its approval for President Obama’s pick. It’s no secret that Hagel, an outspoken critic of sanctions on Iran, has preferred a policy of engagement and direct talks with … More

    Hunkering Down for the Confirmation Hearings

    Yesterday, President Obama pretty much told the world what to expect from the White House for national security and foreign policy for the second term: more of what it gave the globe in the first term. The President nominated former Senator Chuck Hagel (R–NE) for Secretary of Defense. He picked … More

    Panetta’s Asia Visit Should Sort Friends from (Potential) Foes

    Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is in Asia trying to prevent further escalations in tensions over several territorial disputes. National elections in South Korea and Japan and a leadership transition in China’s Communist Party have fueled a resurgence of nationalism and historical animosities. Although the rhetoric and political posturing is coming … More