Obama praised the 60-year-old Carter, saying that as US defense secretary he would bring to the job "a unique blend of strategic perspective and technical know-how."
"All of which means on day one, he will hit the ground running," Obama said, making the announcement from the White House.
Carter, who is expected to be confirmed by the Senate, was named to replace Chuck Hagel, who resigned under pressure last week, criticized by some as too passive in the face of a rapidly changing security situation.
The US military that Carter is expected to inherit finds itself in an air war against Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria, a sharp reversal of course for an administration that had sought to bring home troops after 13 years of fighting.
He must also oversee the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, as well as challenges posed by Iran´s nuclear program and China´s growing military might.
Carter said he had accepted Obama´s offer "because of the seriousness of the strategic challenges we face -- but also the bright opportunities that exist for America if we can come together to grab hold of them."
Hagel called Carter after the announcement and promised a smooth transition. In a statement issued as he embarked on his last foreign trip as secretary, he said he strongly supported Carter´s nomination.
Hagel, a Republican, has rejected accounts that he was forced out and said it was a mutual agreement with the president. "But I think you have to know when to leave, too," he added.
Source: The News
No comments:
Post a Comment