Hagel Resigns

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has resigned. He submitted to President Obama on Nov. 24 notification of his decision to step down, and will continue to serve as the Pentagon’s top civilian leader until the Senate can confirm a successor. “The president and I agreed that now was the right time for new leadership here at the Pentagon,” Hagel said in a prepared statement. According to numerous media reports, Hagel is leaving because of overall dissatisfaction, primarily on Capitol Hill, with the administration’s policy in fighting Islamic State terrorists and continuing the transition away from combat operations in Afghanistan. Some reports suggest that Hagel’s departure marks the return to a war footing for the U.S. armed forces, which had been winding down operations in recent years. He has served as defense secretary since the Senate confirmed him in February 2013.