Robert Kagan: Neocon Renegade?

by Jim Lobe  I, for one, am very eager to hear what Robert Kagan thinks about the framework agreement that has just been negotiated between the P5+1 and Iran. I’m particularly interested in what he thinks of Israeli and Republican… Continue Reading

Hard Times for Iran Hawks

by Jim Lobe via IPS News Just three weeks ago, Washington’s hawks, particularly of the pro-Israel neoconservative variety, were flying high, suddenly filled with hope. President Barack Obama, having trapped himself with his own “red-line” rhetoric, appeared on the verge… 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

Despite Right-Wing Opposition, Hagel Looks Set for Confirmation

by Jim Lobe via IPS News Despite an appeal Thursday by 15 right-wing Republican senators for President Barack Obama to withdraw the nomination of Chuck Hagel as his next defence secretary, the former Republican senator from Nebraska appears virtually certain… Continue Reading