WASHINGTON — Ashton B. Carter on Wednesday will assert himself as an advocate of forceful yet prudent use of American power overseas when he faces a newly Republican-controlled Armed Services Committee that includes some of President Obama’s fiercest critics on American foreign policy.
Mr. Carter, who would be the fourth defense secretary to serve under Mr. Obama, is widely expected to be confirmed with ease, but he will have to navigate a hearing colored by the backdrop of the Islamic State’s most recent high-profile execution, the burning alive of a Jordanian pilot who was part of the American-led coalition against the Sunni militancy.
Tuesday’s release of the video said to be of the execution — described as a “savage murder” by Gen. Lloyd Austin, the head of the Pentagon’s Central Command — will provide fodder for Republican critics who say that Mr. Obama’s strategy to defeat the Sunni militancy needs to be sharpened.
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Fearful that the freed detainees could become a security threat to American troops abroad, Mr. Hagel moved slowly, frustrating the White House. Ultimately, he resigned under pressure.
Wednesday’s hearings will be the first time Republican senators concerned about the accelerated pace of Guantánamo transfers can question Mr. Carter about where he stands.
