An investigation completed by the Defense Department’s inspector general has cleared Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, of allegations that he engaged in improper behavior, announced Pentagon Press Secretary George Little on Tuesday. In a statement on Jan. 22, Little said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “was pleased to learn that allegations of professional misconduct were not substantiated” by the IG’s investigation. “The Secretary has complete confidence in the continued leadership of General Allen, who is serving with distinction in Afghanistan,” added Little. In November, Panetta asked the IG to investigate Allen after allegations surfaced that Allen may have engaged in an inappropriate e-mail exchange with one of the women linked to the sex scandal that brought down David Petraeus as CIA director. At the time, Panetta asked Congress to place a hold on Allen’s nomination to become commander of US European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…