Defense Secretary Leon Panetta quashed talk that he would quickly bail out on the second Obama Administration, telling reporters during a flight to Australia Nov. 12 that he believes he has a responsibility to deal with the current fiscal and strategic issues facing DOD. He said, “My goal is to basically meet my responsibilities in terms of dealing with those issues [which he cited as “sequestration, budget issues, issues related to planning on Afghanistan”] and that’s the most important focus I have right now.” However, when pressed as to whether he would stay for the next four years, Panetta replied, “Who the hell knows?” (Pentagon transcript)
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…