US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel resigns
The threat from the Islamic State would require different skills from what Mr Hagel possesses, officials say
Washington
DEFENSE Secretary Chuck Hagel has resigned, US officials said on Monday, ending nearly two years in the Pentagon's top job. Mr Hagel, who had struggled to improve his ties with Congress after a contentious 2013 confirmation hearing, submitted his resignation letter after lengthy discussions with President Barack Obama that began in October, officials said.
The president has accepted his resignation and formally announced the decision on Tuesday saying that Secretary Hagel will remain as Defense Secretary until his replacement is confirmed by the United States Senate.
