Key Pentagon policy officials to depart amid Middle East tensions

WASHINGTON – Two senior Pentagon policy officials are expected to leave their roles in the coming days amid a gap in the office’s Senate-confirmed leadership as sharp tensions with Iran and its proxies in the Middle East threaten to sap attention away from Washington’s strategic priorities in Europe and East Asia.

Mara Karlin, who played a role in drafting the Biden administration’s national defense strategy and most recently has been performing the duties of the Pentagon’s deputy policy chief, is set to step down, the department confirmed on Monday.

“After nearly three years of dedicated service, Dr. Karlin will depart for academia next week,” the Pentagon’s acting policy director Sasha Baker said in a statement on Monday.

“Her contributions significantly strengthened the department’s strategic approach and preparedness for future security challenges,” Baker’s statement read.