Israelis Sad to See Hagel Go

by Marsha B. Cohen The resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Monday, Nov. 24 after less than two years in his post was all over the morning news here in the United States. But the story was ultimately trumped by the imminent… Continue Reading

AIPAC’s Problems

by Jim Lobe The latest issue of the New Yorker features a lengthy article by Connie Bruck on the recent travails of AIPAC, especially its unsuccessful efforts since last November to increase sanctions on Iran, and its steady Likudnik drift, which has increasingly alienated its… Continue Reading

After Unprecedented Fight, Hagel Confirmed as Obama’s Pentagon Chief

via IPS News Ending a long and controversial battle, the U.S. Senate Tuesday voted 58-41 to confirm former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama’s new secretary of defence. The confirmation, which followed a more-lopsided 71-27 vote to end… Continue Reading

John Barrasso vs. Chuck Hagel

The Military-Industrial Complex Strikes Back by Marsha B. Cohen Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. — Dwight D. Eisenhower,… Continue Reading

Chuck Hagel and the Ghost of AIPAC Past

AIPAC comes knocking with a pro-Israel letter, and ‘then you’ll get 80 to 90 senators on it. I don’t think I’ve ever signed one of the letters.’ When someone would accuse him of not being pro-Israel because he didn’t sign… Continue Reading