NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen will remain in his position through July 2014, after the North Atlantic Council on Oct. 3 extended his four-year term for another year. In a press briefing in Brussels following the decision, Rasmussen said he was “honored by the trust and support” bestowed on him by the allied governments. He highlighted the alliance’s accomplishments during his first years in office, including the decision to develop a NATO missile defense system and the alliance’s involvement in Libya in 2011. However, he said there is still plenty of work to be done, such as “completing the process of transition in Afghanistan within the timeline we have set, strengthening our unique network of partners, and keeping our alliance fit for the future.” (AFPS report by Cheryl Pellerin) (See also NATO webpage with Rasmussen briefing.)
In a show force over the Pacific, the U.S. conducted separate bilateral exercises with South Korea and Japan in response to North Korea’s May 24 ballistic missile test. The North’s test reportedly included an intercontinental ballistic missile, launched while President Joe Biden flew home from the region. Also on May…