Political India: Engaging America

From The Hindu

General James Jones will step down from his role as the National Security Advisor of the United States and will be replaced by his deputy, Thomas Donilon, President Barack Obama announced.

Speaking at the Rose Garden on Friday, Mr. Obama said that when he had offered General Jones the job shortly after the 2008 election, it had been a "difficult decision" for the General. "He had just retired from the military, had a wide range of family obligations," Mr. Obama said, adding, “But because of his patriotism, his dedication to keeping America safe, we were able to agree that he would serve... for about two years."

General Jones, a decorated military veteran and former Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, said that he had enjoyed his assignment "immensely", in particular because Mr. Obama was "willing to take on the hard issues of our time at a very, very difficult moment in our nation’s history".

During his tenure, General Jones made several visits to India and met with top Indian officials including Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, Indian NSA Shiv Shankar Menon and Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

The President also commented on the appointment of Mr. Donilon as General Jones’ replacement, saying, he brought to the office a wealth of experience, having served three Presidents and having been immersed in national security issues for decades.

"Over the last two years, there is not a single critical national security issue that has not crossed Tom’s desk," Mr. Obama said, noting that Mr. Donilon had helped manage both the national security team and the policymaking process.

Praise from senior officials

Numerous senior officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Joseph Biden and U.S. Representative to the United Nations Susan Rice praised General Jones’ work during his time as NSA.

Ms. Clinton said that the General had brought "a steady hand and clear vision to an unforgiving agenda", in particular, playing a "crucial" leadership role in winding down the combat mission in Iraq and refocusing the war in Afghanistan.

Ms. Rice also commented on General Jones’ accomplishments with regard to resetting the U.S.’ relations with Russia and in making economic development an integral part of the country’s national security strategy.

Labels: National Security Advisor, Thomas Donilon, United States