Eugene Robinson: Does Hagel’s Departure Pave the Way for Combat Troops to Iraq?

[marmar]

by Eugene Robinson


It’s a surprise to see President Obama actually fire someone. But I have to worry that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s forced departure may signal further expansion of U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Syria.

Obama hardly ever gives anybody the boot, often sticking with aides and appointees long past their sell-by dates. Obama said Monday that Hagel “came to me” to discuss a possible departure, but multiple news reports quoted senior officials as saying he was forced out. Coming after last week’s in-your-face executive action on immigration, the move seemed to suggest that Obama’s patience, at this point in his tenure, no longer rivals that of Job.

That’s all to the good. Obama will accomplish more in his last two years if he is seen as taking the initiative rather than reacting to events—and if he has the right team in place.

From the start, Hagel seemed kind of wrong. He stumbled and fumbled through his confirmation hearings, despite the fact that he was among old friends: He had served two terms in the Senate. In the end, he won the votes of just four fellow Republicans. ........................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/does_hagels_departure_pave_the_way_for_combat_troops_to_iraq_20141125