Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith to leave the Pentagon by next summer. Here's the Defense Department's press release:

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas J. Feith announced today that he would leave his position this summer. As he has informed Secretary Rumsfeld, Mr. Feith made his decision for personal and family reasons.

Managing an organization of approximately 1,500 persons, Mr. Feith also represents the Department in interagency policy making on national security affairs.

Under Mr. Feith's leadership, the Defense Department's policy organization has developed a number of key initiatives relative to the Department's future...

Commenting on Mr. Feith’s planned departure, Secretary Rumsfeld said, “Doug Feith has contributed to the security of the country. He is creative, well organized, and energetic, and he has earned the respect of civilian and military leaders across the government. Regretfully, he has decided to depart, and he will be missed.”

Here's the AP's Robert Burns:

... In the AP interview, Feith said he was not sure what he will do after leaving the Pentagon. He said he intends to remain in Washington, where he has lived since the 1970s. He said he was especially proud of his contributions to improving the relationship between the Pentagon's civilian policy-makers, the combat commanders and the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Many people have said it is now better than it has ever been," Feith said.

Cheney advisor Scooter Libby to succeed Feith? That's the idle speculation we've heard. It's a post that requires confirmation.

[Thanks to readers J and D.]

Posted by Laura at January 26, 2005 06:38 PM