By CCTV correspondent Quentin Vigne
US president Barack Obama has named a new defense secretary, and a new CIA director. The nominations are expected to give rise to controversy, but the two nominees have expressed confidence, as they now wait for Senate approval.
Fresh new additions to Barack Obama’s cabinet line-up, after the nominations of Republican Chuck Hagel as new defence secretary, and counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan as new CIA director.
Hagel is a former senator and decorated Vietnam veteran, set to replace Leon Panetta at the Pentagon. He previously came under criticism over his record on hostility to Israel and softness on Iran. Hagel has expressed confidence in taking up the job and living up to Obama’s expectations.
US President Barack Obama (C) announces his nominees for new US Secretary of
Defense former Republican US Senator Chuck Hagel (L) and new CIA director
White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan (R) at the White House in
Washington January 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]
John Brennan is a CIA veteran. He withdrew from consideration for the top job in 2008, after questions were raised about his views on enhanced interrogation techniques used on terrorism suspects during the Bush administration.
Obama could face opposition from human rights groups over his choice of Brennan. But Brennan is determined to serve the country once his nomination is confirmed, despite opposition.
Both appointments must still be confirmed by the Senate. The addition of Hagel and Brennan, along with Senator John Kerry as nominee for secretary of state, would complete Obama’s national security team. Obama is facing daunting challenges with the war in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear stand-off and the need to curb military spending.
President Barack Obama and his choice for Defense Secretary, former Nebraska
Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, listen as he choice for new CIA Director, current
Deputy National Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, speaks during
the announcement in the East Room of the White House in Washington,
Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 in Washington.
中国公共新闻摘编：GAN JADE |
