Chuck Hagel Confirmed as New US Defense Secretary

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By Mourad Anouar

Morocco News Tribune

 

Oklahoma City, U.S.A| The U.S. Senate has approved Tuesday afternoon Chuck Hagel as new secretary of defense after a long battle over his nomination.

President Barack Obama’s pick Hagel was opposed by Republicans on the grounds that his comments on the influence of the ‘Jewish lobby’ on Capitol Hill and his supposedly weak stance on Iran are “worrying”.

The former Nebraska senator, whose approval received a filibuster to block him two weeks ago, was confirmed with 58 senators supporting him and 41 opposing in the end.

Hagel, who was largely abandoned by republican colleagues, was described by Politicos as shaky at best.

Hagel is a Vietnam veteran and his war experience which made him criticize the Iraq War was a reason why he lost support of Republicans.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Hagel would be sworn in to succeed him on Wednesday morning.