James Mattis
Born: Sept. 8, 1950, in Pullman, Wash.
Career: Enlisted in Marine Corps in 1969; commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines; 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Marine Division; Combat Development Command; 1 Marine Expeditionary Force; U.S. Joint Forces Command; U.S. Central Command.
Politics: Believes Iran is the principal threat to Middle East stability, supports two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, recommended providing weapons to Syrian rebels.
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