Reuters Reports
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Hagel resigns as defense secretary
(Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigned on Monday, the first major change to President Barack Obama's Cabinet since his Democrats were routed in midterm elections three weeks ago.
Obama announced the resignation at a White House event with Hagel at his side. Hagel will remain in the job until a successor is in place.
Hagel was appointed less than two years ago as Obama pushed his signature program of winding up wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, a process that is being upended this year with U.S. re-engagement in Iraq and greater military cooperation with Kabul.
The former Republican senator, who had struggled to improve his ties with Congress after a contentious 2013 confirmation hearing, submitted his resignation letter after lengthy discussions with Obama that began in October, officials said.
BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/...
US defence secretary Chuck Hagel to step down
President Barack Obama confirmed his resignation and paid tribute to his "class and integrity".
Mr Hagel, 68, a Vietnam war veteran and former Republican senator, said it had been his life's "greatest privilege".
Last month, it was reported that he was sharply critical of the US strategy against Islamic State and in relation to the Syria regime.
He will stay on as secretary until his successor is confirmed.