Topic: Chuck Hagel

Chuck Hagel: why his candidacy for Defense post is losing altitude

Critics of Chuck Hagel's potential candidacy have focused on remarks he made years ago about Israel, Iran, and Hamas. Some even called him anti-Semitic, a charge branded as outrageous, even by other critics.

The Monitor's View: What Kerry, Hagel would bring to Obama diplomacy

Reports of Sen. John Kerry becoming Secretary of State, and Republican Chuck Hagel being tapped for Defense, hint at a new attempt to use 'soft power' in Obama's second term. But will it work?

Reports: Sen. John Kerry to be named Secretary of State (+video)

Now that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name, President Obama reportedly will name Senator John Kerry to take over as Secretary of State when Hillary Clinton resigns.

What Chuck Hagel would, and wouldn't, bring to job of Defense secretary

Chuck Hagel, a storied Republican maverick with a record of voting against his party, opposed the war in Iraq, supports engagement with Iran, and backed Barack Obama in his first presidential run.

John Kerry, Chuck Hagel: Vietnam vets to lead US foreign and defense policies?

Sen. John Kerry is the leading contender to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. Former GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel could be Obama's next Defense Secretary.

Susan Rice's surprise withdrawal saves Obama a fight (+video)

UN ambassador Susan Rice, once perceived as a natural replacement for Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, has withdrawn her name from the nomination process. It now seems likely that President Obama will pick Senator John Kerry for the role. 

Why Susan Rice withdrew her name as secretary of State (+video)

Republican senators had vowed a fight if Obama nominated Susan Rice to be his next secretary of State. Their opposition centered on her erroneous public statements about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Obama's new foreign-policy and security team: Could Colin Powell be on it?

With President Obama likely to begin his second term with a sharp domestic focus, he’ll need a trusted foreign-policy and security team to handle sensitive, and pressing, global challenges.

'The Presidents' Club': 10 stories about relationships between American presidents

From Truman to Obama, 10 stories of friendships and feuds between US presidents.

Election '08 is causing a 'brain drain' on Capitol Hill

But many exiting lawmakers also bring years of experience to the Obama administration.

Obama’s short list of possible foreign policy officials

The President-elect is likely to rely on Republicans as well as Democrats to advise him and carry out policy.

The Vote
Joe Biden's harrowing helicopter ride

Obama's tour of Afghanistan renews debate about US role

The presidential candidate met officials and soldiers here this weekend at the start of a global tour.

Terrorism & Security
Syrian prison riot shrouded in silence

The unrest in the facility, which holds more than 10,000 Islamists, democracy activists, and intellectuals, in addition to regular criminals, comes as the West moves to reengage with Damascus.

Terrorism & Security
Speculation persists about Admiral Fallon's departure from Pentagon

Broad outspokenness, and not a White House plan for war with Iran, most likely led to his retirement from Central Command.

Iran's nuclear program: talk of international consortium

Western and Iranian officials consider new framework as Iran program progresses.

GI Bill may be updated to help veterans meet rising college costs

Current funding levels don't always cover college tuition.

Terrorism & Security
Senators challenge White House approach on Afghanistan

Foreign Relations Committee hearing comes a day after the release of two critical reports.

USA

The Monitor's View: Voters a step ahead of Bloomberg

New York's mayor wants a bipartisan president, but voters are already pushing in this direction.