Source:
WSJWASHINGTON—Dennis Ross, President Barack Obama's top Middle East adviser and one of the principal architects of the White House's strategies toward Iran and the Arab-Israeli conflict, is leaving his post at the end of November, according to U.S. officials.
Mr. Ross's departure marks the latest in a string of exits over the past year of senior officials who have worked on the Middle East for Mr. Obama. It comes at a particularly sensitive time, as U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about Iran's nuclear advances and the breakdown in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
White House officials said the National Security Council has been preparing for Mr. Ross's departure for months, as he initially only committed to serve for two years. They said it was uncertain if anyone would succeed him or if his duties would be handled by other senior officials.
"We've been preparing for this for a long time," said a White House official Thursday. "Dennis was a key player in developing our strategy toward Iran, including putting unprecedented pressure on the regime."
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-- It will be very interesting to see who takes his place relative to ongoing policy, particularly as regards Iran.