Defense News runs an interview with Tom Kelly, Acting US Assistant Secretary of State, Political-Military Affairs: “Taking over in the middle of a complicated export control reform process, Tom Kelly is responsible for not only bridging the gap between the US State Department and Defense Department, but also a blossoming exchange program between the two agencies, counterpiracy initiatives and military aid provided to overseas allies.”

“Kelly, acting US assistant secretary of state, political-military affairs, was tapped this year after more than 20 years as a Foreign Service officer mostly stationed overseas. One of the challenges of his new job, Kelly said, is trying to make the careful calculation as to when and where the US should provide military equipment and aid, a process that has gained greater attention following the ouster of Mohammed Morsi in Egypt as the US continues to provide military support.”