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Obama to Nominate Hagel, Brennan for Defense and CIA Posts

By on January 7, 2013

(AP)  PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS EXPECTED TODAY TO NOMINATE FORMER REPUBLICAN SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL AS THE NEXT DEFENSE SECRETARY, AND HE’S EXPECTED TO TAP COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER JOHN BRENNAN TO HEAD THE CIA.

HAGEL HAS FACED TOUGH CRITICISM FROM CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS WHO SAY HE’S ANTI-ISRAEL AND SOFT ON IRAN.  AND BRENNAN WITHDREW FROM CONSIDERATION FOR THE SPY AGENCY’S TOP JOB IN 2008 AMID QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS CONNECTION TO ENHANCED INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES DURING THE GEORGE W. BUSH ADMINISTRATION.  BRENNAN DENIED INVOLVEMENT IN THE CONTROVERSIAL INTERROGATION TACTICS, INCLUDING WATERBOARDING, AND HAS SPOKEN OUT AGAINST THEM.