Hagel is Definitely in the Mainstream

The initial attacks against Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense included a virtual mantra that the former Nebraska senator was “out of the mainstream” of thinking on the Middle East. Even in his endorsement of Hagel yesterday, Tom Friedman noted… Continue Reading

4 National Security Advisers, Friedman Voice Support for Hagel

As the fight over the possible nomination of Sen. Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense continues, it’s worth noting two new contributions in his favor. In a letter to the editor to the Washington Post, whose initial, remarkably silly editorial… Continue Reading

Chas Freeman Speaks out on Anti-Hagel Smear Campaign

As readers of this blog know, I have the highest regard for Amb. Chas Freeman (ret.) not only as one of this country’s most accomplished diplomats, but also as a extraordinarily insightful analyst of current global developments and their impact on… Continue Reading

Wolfowitz Endorses Flournoy; Cornyn, Jenn Rubin Can’t Read

Two interesting — but little-noted — developments on the Hagel front over the last couple of days. First, Paul Wolfowitz endorsed former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy to replace Leon Panetta based on her understanding of and advocacy… Continue Reading

Eli’s Story on Daniel Pipes’ Middle East Forum

Following up on LobeLog’s revelation in September that Daniel Pipes’s Middle East Forum (MEF) helped support the defendant in a defamation lawsuit filed by the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), our former colleague Eli Clifton has published new information about the funders… Continue Reading