U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Resigns

A senior U.S. official announced that Chuck Hagel, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, is set to resign from his position on Monday, December 3. According to the French news agency, this action comes in response to criticisms regarding the performance of the U.S. Department of Defense in Afghanistan and in confronting the group known as the 'Islamic State' (formerly ISIS). Reports do not provide further details on the reasons for this resignation. It is reported that Chuck Hagel will go to the White House on Monday afternoon and then officially announce his resignation alongside President Barack Obama. One U.S. official also told the Associated Press that both Hagel and Obama 'concluded after several weeks of discussion that it was time for new management at the Pentagon.' According to this report, Chuck Hagel has been discussing his intention to resign with the President since October, and these discussions have continued. The 68-year-old Chuck Hagel is a former military man from the Vietnam War and a former senator from Nebraska. Barack Obama's familiarity with him dates back to the time when both accompanied each other on various trips as senators. At the time of Hagel's appointment as Secretary of Defense, Obama reacted to the opposition to this appointment by saying, 'I know him; he is a patriot and has performed exceptionally well in the Senate and served his country honorably in Vietnam.' The White House has not yet provided information about Hagel's successor. According to the Associated Press, individuals mentioned in the media as potential candidates for the position of Secretary of Defense include Michele Flournoy, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, Senator Jack Reed, a former military officer, and Ashton Carter, former Deputy Secretary of Defense.