Obama to namedefence, CIA picks

Washington – United States President Barack Obama will today nominate Chuck Hagel as his next defence secretary and counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, two potentially controversial picks for his second-term national security team.

Hagel has faced tough criticism from congressional Republicans who say the former Republican senator is anti-Israel and soft on Iran.

Brennan, a 25-year CIA veteran, withdrew from consideration for the spy agency’s top job in 2008 amid questions about his connection to criticised interrogation techniques during the George W Bush administration.

The White House said Obama would announce both nominations today.

Along with secretary of state nominee Senator John Kerry, Hagel and Brennan would play key roles implementing and shaping Obama’s national security priorities. All three must be confirmed by the Senate.

In nominating Hagel, Obama signalled he is willing to take on a tough confirmation fight. The 66-year-old moderate Republican has criticised discussion of a military strike by either the United States or Israel against Iran. He also irritated some Israel supporters with his reference to the ‘‘Jewish lobby’’ in the United States. And he has backed efforts to bring Iran to the table for future peace talks in Afghanistan.

White House officials say Hagel’s positions on Israel and Iran have been misrepresented. They cite his Senate votes for billions in military assistance to Israel and his support for multilateral sanctions on Tehran.