DOD policy shop announces personnel changes

A senior policy official at the Pentagon today announced new changes in leadership in roles handling Middle East and NATO issues.

Daniel Shapiro is taking over Dana Stroul’s position as deputy assistant defense secretary for the Middle East.

Shapiro was previously the U.S. ambassador to Israel and senior adviser to the special envoy for Iran, according to a DOD release issued today.

Sasha Baker, acting defense under secretary of defense for policy, thanked Stroul in a statement for her work in the role, particularly when it came to forging partnerships and alliances through defense policy and strategy.

Additionally, Lisa Sawyer is stepping into the role of the deputy assistant defense secretary for European and NATO policy, previously filled by Spencer Boyer.

Baker thanked Boyer for his work in addressing critical European and NATO issues that affected how the U.S. maintained global security and stability.

Sawyer is coming back to the Pentagon after working at the White House as a special adviser on European, Russian and defense matters to the vice president, according to a DOD statement.

“We are confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to our ongoing efforts in safeguarding national security and enhancing our transatlantic relationships,” Baker said in the statement.

Meanwhile, both areas of operation continue to be hotbeds of military activity, with U.S. forces being continuously attacked in the Middle East by Iran-backed militia groups as Ukraine remains locked in a war against Russian invaders.