There is, however, another test that may prove even more decisive to the prospects for providing the American people with the sort of protection they expect and deserve: Will the four uniformed leaders of the Nation's armed forces be allowed to play a substantive and influential role in decisions that appear likely to preclude the development and deployment of effective national missile defenses?

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

He officially leaves office on Friday and was due to appear before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Regional Development which is hearing evidence about the crisis.

BBC: NI Water overwhelmed by 1m contacts from customers