To the Point
Chuck Hagel's Pentagon
Chuck Hagel is President Obama's choice to be Secretary of Defense. At his Senate confirmation hearing today, he got a grilling — especially from former Republican colleagues.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenChuck Hagel is President Obama's choice to be Secretary of Defense. At his Senate confirmation hearing today, he got a grilling — especially from former Republican colleagues. We hear an exchange with John McCain and what Hagel had to say about the Iraq surge, Iran, Israel and cuts in the Pentagon budget. Also, an Israeli airstrike in Syria brings backlash, and a new series on cable TV makes heroes out of Soviet Spies in America during the Cold War. What's the lesson about history as portrayed in American culture?
Banner image: Senator Charles T. Hagel answers a question at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee in Washington DC, January 31, 2013. If confirmed, he will become the 24th Secretary of Defense. DoD Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
In this episode
3 storiesIsraeli Airstrike in Syria Brings Backlash
Israeli warplanes struck near Damascus today, prompting supporters of Bashar al-Assad to rally behind their leader while Iran warmed of "grave consequences." It's not clear what the target was. Isabel Kershner reports from Jerusalem for the New York Times .
Read the story8 minCabinet Nominee Hagel Gets a Grilling
Republicans John McCain and Chuck Hagel might have been friends when Hagel was in the Senate, but you wouldn't have known it today at his confirmation hearing . Republican James Inhofe of Oklahoma said Hagel supports retreat from America's global leadership and shrinking the military, which Inhofe said "will not make America safer."
Read the story35 minNostalgia for the Days of the Cold War
At the end of the Cold War, it would have been inconceivable for an American television series to make heroes of Soviet spies. But last night, the FX channel debuted The Americans , which does exactly that. What does it reveal about the perception of history in modern culture?
Read the story9 min
