Director of National Security: James Jones

A Marine Corps veteran of 40 years, Jones retired as a four-star general and became the Bush administration's special envoy for Middle East security as well as the head of Nato's military operations. The 64-year-old is also an expert in Iraq security forces and will work closely with Defence Secretary Robert Gates to find a way out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite being a grandfather of seven, 6ft 4in Jones is another more than capable basketball player. Robert Dreyfuss of the Nation says: "Jones is probably the most hawkish [in the war cabinet], and he seems least compatible with Obama."

FIRST POSTED JANUARY 6, 2009