Obama names Donilon NSAPublished: Oct. 8, 2010 at 2:52 PM
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday named Tom Donilon to succeed Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser.
In a Rose Garden announcement, Obama said Jones had taken the job initially only on the condition he would serve about two years.
"Today, as we approach that two-year mark, I'm announcing that Jim has decided to step aside as national security adviser later this month, and that he will be succeeded by his very capable deputy, Tom Donilon," Obama said.
The president said Donilon "has a wealth of experience," having served three presidents. Jones described him as "one of the hardest-working human beings I have ever seen" and said the only advice he could give Donilon is find "a deputy just like he was to me."
Jones's departure had been been expected but was hastened after he got in trouble for statements he apparently made to Bob Woodward, the author of "Obama's Wars," a source told The New York Times.
Donilon began as a political operative for President Jimmy Carter and served as chief of staff for Secretary of State Warren Christopher in the Clinton administration. He coached Obama on foreign policy for his campaign debates.
As deputy national security adviser, Donilon has called for "rebalancing" U.S. foreign policy to rapidly disengage in Iraq and concentrate on China, Iran and other emerging challenges. He has argued that the United States cannot wage "endless war" in Afghanistan and has backed Obama's intention to withdraw troops next summer.
