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In remarks on ‘threats and challenges,’ new DefSec Chuck Hagel leaves out Iran

Hagel with Sergeant John Wirth before addressing Pentagon today
Hagel with Sergeant John Wirth of Nebraska, who introduced Hagel at the Pentagon today (photo by Navy Petty Officer Chad J. McNeeley)

Having supported Chuck Hagel’s nomination so strongly, as a signal of a less-militant policy in the Middle East, I can exult today at his swearing-in and prepare myself for years of disappointment. In the exultation phase, I’d note that his speech emphasized ordinary people who are hurt by American militarism, and that he said nothing about Iran. He was introduced by an Army Sergeant from Nebraska, above, which Chuck Hagel was when he was in Vietnam. Humility; moving.

Two excerpts from his speech, about which Defense states, “As Written by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel”:

As your leader, I will always do my best for our country and for all of you – and your families.  As with my friends and predecessors Leon Panetta and Bob Gates, your safety, success, and welfare will always be at the forefront of my decisions….

And this was the only specific mention Hagel made to US engagements overseas, apart from a paragraph about winding down in Afghanistan. Notice that Iran isn’t on the menu. And reference to Asia-Pacific region is pretty vague:

As we turn the page on more than a decade of grinding conflict, we must broaden our attention to future threats and challenges.  That means continuing to increase our focus on the Asia-Pacific region, reinvigorating historic Alliances like NATO, and making new investments in critical capabilities like cyber.

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I don’t know——not mentioning Iran could be a positive.

I’m into my second quadrennium of disappointment at Obama. Why should Hagel be any different?

That said, Obama does seem to be nipping at the edges of the Zionist Project.

If JPS would publish a full page ad in support of international pressure on Israel to remove the settlers, the wall, the siege of Gaza, and maybe the settlements (buildings), I’d pay my $100 cheerfully. Trouble is, assuming they did publish it, I’d not want to support the NYT by placing the ad there. That paper supports the occupation and, presumably, profits from it. Hmmm.

Note that the photographer was a Navy Petty Officer. So he is also an enlisted man. (There are — in descending order — Petty Officers First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. I was myself a Petty Officer First Class until I was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. Petty Officer Third Class is an E-4, the equivalent of an Army Corporal or Spec-4. Petty Officer Second Class is an E-5, the equivalent of an Army Sergeant. Petty Officer First Class is an E-6, the equivalent of an Army Staff Sergeant.)

Iran isn’t in South Asia? Hmm

Politicians typically wiggle and squirm, saying anything to get into office. As a result it’s difficult to know who they really are. Abe Lincoln was an exception – true to himself throughout his campaigns and even dooming his re-election to the House by speaking forcefully against the Mexican War.

Hagel writhed in his nomination hearing. I hope, along with you, that he will now conduct himself as we hope he will. If he does it will be against the current of American Empire thinking – a very hard thing to buck. Empires are not known to rationally scale themselves back, no matter who is in power. Visions of the world are not easily altered. Group-think is powerful. Let’s cross our fingers.