WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Gen. James Jones, U.S. national security adviser, is leaving, to be replaced by his deputy, Thomas Donilon, administration officials said Friday.
President Barack Obama was expected to announce the shift Friday afternoon.
Jones's departure had been been expected but was hastened after he got in trouble for statements that 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.
UPI
