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CHUCK HAGEL ON THE ISSUES
Hagel On Iran
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to protect Iran from U.S. sanctions and diplomatic pressure. In June 2001, Hagel denounced proposed sanctions on Iran, asserting they “isolate … Read More
Hagel On Israel
Chuck Hagel has sought to distance the United States from Israel, blame Israel for Palestinian terrorism, pressure Israel to surrender territory and retreat to indefensible borders, and has … Read More
Hagel On Syria
Throughout his career, Chuck Hagel has sought to soften U.S. pressure on Syria, one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world and Iran's only Arab ally, in the belief that engagement and … Read More
Hagel On Terrorism
Chuck Hagel seeks to reduce the pressure on, and isolation of, terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism. In 1998, Hagel appeared to mimic the talking points of Syria’s dictator. “Mr. … Read More
What They Are Saying…
What Democrats Are Saying
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “I’d have to study his record…I’m not going to comment until the president makes a nomination.”
Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT): “I think this will be a very tough confirmation process, I don’t how it would end, but there are reasonable questions to ask and Chuck Hagel would have to answer.”
What Republicans Are Saying
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX): [H]e would actively oppose Mr. Hagel, a Republican from Nebraska, should President Barack Obama nominate him to the top Pentagon job. Mr. Cornyn predicted many members of his caucus would join him in moving to block Mr. Hagel. “Some of Sen. Hagel’s positions would either render America weaker or create ambiguity in regard to our role in maintaining security and peace,” Sen. Cornyn said. “He has taken positions I think are outside the mainstream and are atypical, even of this administration.”
What The Opinion Leaders Are Saying
The Washington Post: Mr. Hagel’s stated positions on critical issues, ranging from defense spending to Iran, fall well to the left of those pursued by Mr. Obama during his first term — and place him near the fringe of the Senate that would be asked to confirm him.
The Wall Street Journal: Mr. Obama can do better than Mr. Hagel—for example, by choosing former Defense Under Secretary Michele Flournoy, or perhaps Colin Powell. If he does nominate Mr. Hagel, the Senate will have to prevent the Administration’s senior security ranks from being dominated by a flock of doves who think the world is better off with a militarily weaker America.
