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View the story “Worldview: 2014 withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, Update on President Hugo Chavez condition and the President…” on Storify]
Worldview: 2014 withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, Update on President Hugo Chavez condition and the President’s…
The New York Times reports US may keep as many as 20,000 troops in Afghanistan following 2014 withdrawal. Venezuelan officials say Pres. Hugo Chavez is suffering from a “severe lung infection.” Pres. Obama expected to announce plans to nominate former senator Check Hagel to be Sec. of Defense.
Storified by · Mon, Jan 07 2013 10:07:15
Mediaite
Citing sources close to Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan,The New York Times reports that the US may keep as many as 20,000 troops in Afghanistan following the 2014 withdrawal. Troop levels, military equipment and peace talks are among the expected topics to be addressed during Pres. Hamid Karzai’s visit to the U.S. next week. Adnan Gopal with the New America Foundation previews the visit. In light of his December surgery to treat cancer Pres. Hugo Chavez has a lung infection. Rumors are swirling about Chavez’s health, as the swearing-in ceremony for his fourth term in office approaches. Javier Corrales, who co-authored a book about Chavez, explains the country’s political machinations and potential split within the governing leftist party. If the Secretary of Defense nomination of former senator Check Hagel is confirmed, it would add a well-known Republican to Obama’s cabinet. Many Republicans have voiced uncertainty about the choice. Steve Clemons, Washington editor-at-large for The Atlantic, explains why Hagel is such a controversial pick.
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