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Hagel says will ensure 'ally' Israel maintains military edge
Reuters
Published: 31.01.13, 18:19
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1. What a crock....
Malone ,   Hfx   (01.31.13)
This guy is totally under obamas thumb,and will do what he's told..
2. I bought Hagel's book
Steve Klein   (01.31.13)
Since I kept hearing Hagel promote his book in the hearings, I bought the Kindle edition to, "America: Our Next Chapter." I am trying to read though chapter 4 on Israel. On page 78 with respect to Israel's retaliation in the face of thousands of Hezbollah rockets during the second Lebanon war (July-August 2006) Hagel wrote: "...military retaliation—rightful or not—is not a political strategy that can end the threat posed by terrorist groups. Extended military action has nearly destroyed Lebanon, killing innocent civilians, gutting its economy and infrastructure, and creating a humanitarian disaster within refugee camps whose only governance is chaos and violence." I haven't gotten to Gaza yet. "The Israeli-Palestinian issue (according to Hagel) should be treated with the urgency it demands—by the United States, the United Nations, NATO, Israel, and the Arab countries. Beyond contributing to the destabilization of the Middle East, this issue has an enormous effect on global energy security." Hagel: "This is not to say that there are not many other interrelated challenges in the Middle East—the democracy gap, terrorism, energy security, etc. But the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the strategic epicenter of conflict..."
3. Senator Hagel, if you are to be believed:
David ,   Israel   (01.31.13)
Now is the time for the US to come out of hiding behind the UN and allowing those who want to destroy the ONLY ally you have in the Middle East! The hatred of the Nazis, the Tzars and the Europeans against Jews has been inherited by the Islamic World with the sole object of destroying Israel and its people of all creeds. Now gentlemen, is the time to stand up and put your money where you mouth his. Remember, after Israel, the USA is next because they are already subjugated Europe and the UK! Me, I am not holding my breath. I have my gas mask!
4. Double talk-double meaning
Philippe ,   Raanana   (01.31.13)
Hagel empty sentences are just plain " hot air " : He is commited to a "strong " Israel as long as Israel does not dare to win a conflict.He is "against " Iran nuke as long as Iran does not blow it yet.Ounce Iran will blow it it will be too late.Hagel babbles the same yoga mantra on Iran " All the options are on the table " .Yes mr hagel, " all options are on the table AND WILL REMAIN FOREVER ON THE TABLE ".You won't jump your gun, neither your boss, who fled like a coward in all major events in the mideast since he was elected.Meanwhile Iran-Syria _Hamas are having their lifetime fun when they hear you and your President mumble the same old empty threats.As the vietcong said about the USA in the 70's You are a paper tiger Mr Hagel.No one believes you neither your ennemy , nor your friend.Where do you go Mr hagel ? You can't stand the truth ?
5. Significant comment?
israel israeli ,   tel aviv   (01.31.13)
The Hagel appointment is an internal American matter. More important than Hagel's commitment to Israel is his commitment to the US, a commitment that should be examined in light of his support for Hezbolla that murdered 241 US marines. No less, he should be judged for his ability to clean up Obama's mess in the Middle East (especially Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Egypt). What is significant is if Hagel really used the word "ally" to refer to Israel. I can't find a transcript of the hearing to be sure, but this would mean a significant change in Obama's policies. In a radio interview about 2 years ago, the US ambassador made it very clear that the administrationdid not consider Israel, as an ally, and that the US was "friendly towards Israel" but no more. Could it be that Obama has realized how badly he's screwed up?
6. Spring 1941 Foul Betrayal
Zechariah   (01.31.13)
In the Spring of 1941 Stephen "wise" a so called Jewish leader imposed a ban onall aid sent to Jews in occupied countries every food package written in Saul Friedlanders brilliant book The Years Of Extermination page304 an OberKapo alignment with The United States Policy. No Jew ought to allow Chuck Hagel Defense Ministry .Senator McCain ought get the Job for Two Years .
7. Z.? McCain is a better candidate for Alzheimer.
miki ,   tampa   (01.31.13)
Why do the Grand Old Poops always look for elderly white guys to show the way? Hagel is willing to look with a critical eye on the proven misrepresentations all too often coming out of Jerusalem. This is bad? A true friend will try and show you the error of your ways-he is a true friend so stop spewing the Frightwing nonsense.
8. Hagel is anti-Israel, pro-Muslim, and an appeaser
Cipora Julianna Kohn ,   Z   (01.31.13)
hagel will faithfully execute obama's policies in this respect.
9. Nonsense!
Reuven   (01.31.13)
10. Hagel quote
Steve   (01.31.13)
Hagel quote: "The war against terrorists will not, ultimately, be won on the battlefield.
11. Mashaal wants peace with, and Hegel is committed to Israel
Alan ,   SA   (01.31.13)
Things are looking rosy at last!
12. Israel and USA
Jacob Edelman ,   Burke,USA   (01.31.13)
It is extremely comical to see how US internal politics and strategic interests are being affected by a much smaller, insignificant state such as Israel. WOW!
13. Hagel is anti-semtic. he favors USA over israel. what righ
BDS   (01.31.13)
does congress have to approve an "American-firster"?
14. Example of "a nefarious Jewish lobby that secretly controls
Steven Benassi ,   Silver Bay, MN USA   (01.31.13)
...U.S. foreign policy. This is the worst kind of anti-Semitism there is."
15. Let's be glad for Senator Inhofe
Devorah   (01.31.13)
who is shaking down Hagel and calling him for what he is -- a stooge, a traitor and a liar.
16. Number 1
Masulis ,   New York   (01.31.13)
So very true . Just like Robert McNamara during the Viet Nam war.
17. Commitment to Israel
Syd Chaden ,   Palermo Calif USA   (01.31.13)
I'm sure that Hagel is just as committed to Israel as Obama is. That may be reassuring, or frightening, depending upon one's perspective. However, while Obama wants everyone to listen to what he says, and to ignore what he does, Hagel wants everyone to ignore what he has said, and wait until he does something to make a judgment. Which is a unique approach for a politician..
18. #2 - Hagel : Epicentre of dispute in ME
Norbus ,   Jerusalem   (01.31.13)
Revealing reproduction ex Hagel's book. Exact way John Kerry expressed the position by Obama administration. Both men & Obama are dangerously wrong. Psyche of Arabs, their leadership and Divide & Rule by ex imperialist UK , France, then USA , Russia and China that reinfect the festering sore and stop it healing. It will end in disaster for the Arabs; Oil that brought them to promenence will bring their downfall.
19. #12 insignificant state such as Israel.
Tarbouche ,   Aswan   (01.31.13)
You are right. Jacob Edelman, Burke USA. Bet you proudly voted for BHO.. It is not about being affected by Israel but about humanity and what is right or wrong. Clearly, your teachers failed to teach that, and America is going back on its founding principles
20. 12 Jacob Edelman
Cipora Julianna Kohn ,   Z   (02.01.13)
1 the insignificant country, israel, has destroyed two nuclear reactors, one in iraq, the other in syria. 2 the insignificant country, israel, is recognised by law of congress, signed by obama as an essential ally of the united states of america. 3 israel has in no way interfered in the hagel nomination process. it is american people, including senators, and citizens, mostly christians, who are openly opposing the hagel nomination. 4 you are obviously a hater of israel. enjoy your hatred.
21. One Cut To Make
Makina ,   New York, NY   (02.01.13)
Is to cut completely the $27 Million PER DAY that the Jews of Israel schnoor from the U.S Taxpayer. Why in the world do the Jews think American Taxpayers should give them such a HUGE amount of money? For what? Why? This is nothing but a Schnoorer nation, and Americans should cut all ties and be well rid of them, their constant problems, and intransigence and the whole Middle East all together. Feh...!!
22. Hagel says will ensure 'ally' Israel
jacques ,   nsw   (02.01.13)
My foot is more commited than he is
23. Hagel Knows that he best Support Israel if he Care About USA
Chaim Ben Kahan ,   Efrat, Israel   (02.01.13)
Israel is paramount to the US security and presence in the Mid East. Hagel should know this and if he does not yet, he will learn so soon.
24. Hagel is stupid
Sam ,   Texas   (02.01.13)
You all saw it live today.....
25. Hagel and an obvious flaw...
rob ,   Orangevale USA   (02.01.13)
I watched Sen. Hagel testify in the Senate and listened to his responses. He was either very tired or on Xanax.. He is not the type to face ANY middle eastern tyrant, and would be laughed out of the middle east. I have never been more ashamed of our president than today, THIS is his pick for Sec Def!? I wouldn't let this slurring inattentive man drive my kids home. For awhile I was wondering if he was even hearing the questions! I am seriously getting worried now. You might plan on going it alone for the next four years. Better get ready. Shalom Israel, Rob
26. He talks about building the ......
Ezra ,   San Diego   (02.01.13)
most powerful military in the world, keeping tabs on China and asia..... all this and he doesn't want to get into a war with anyone. What is really saying? It should be entertaining when he starts complaining about having to actually fight the wars he wants won.
27. 12
(02.01.13)
not so insignificant, sir. israel is the 17th best economy in the world. additionally, the cia would be nothing, zero, without mossad intelligence and ability because you guys in america suck at intel. especially counter terrorism measures. no wonder so many of the aviators and airport security personnel come to israel to learn how to do it right. not to mention the multitudes of pharmaceuticals, computer and it innovations, medical discoveries, high tech is invented in israel and shared with the usa. usa would be a zero without israel hwen it comes to the mid east region. you are so uneducated and an ignoramous, it is painful.
28. Another Obamanite!
Jake Stone ,   USA   (02.01.13)
Hagel is an Obama man! That should tell everyone where his true loyalty lies. He’s like Obama, in that he’ll say anything…tell any lie to get what he wants!
29. Cutting the defence budget, being against...
Gunnar ,   Gothenburg, Sweden   (02.01.13)
...unilateral action on Iran, criticizing the Iraq war etc. All this suggests that Chuck Hagel is a very reasonable man with lots of common sense, and thus very suitable for the position of defence secretary.
30. Hagel performance
Tal ,   Jerusalem   (02.01.13)
This article doesn't reflect what is universally regarded on the left and right as Hagel's unbelievably stupefying poor performance. He is clearly just not a smart man. His appointment is an embarrassment to the president and a shame to the Democrats who are backing him. This is after all an appointment to be head of the US Defense Department - not ambassador to Lichtenstein.
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