In response to my query over the weekend, Yale's Press Secretary Thomas Conroy wrote that the decision to close YIISA was made by a faculty committee during a routine five-year review of the program.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Yale, Jews, and Double Standards

Moreover, by setting an example of nuclear disarmament, and somewhat tying his own hands, Mr Obama hopes to improve his bargaining position at next month's five-year conference to review the NPT.

ECONOMIST: Disarmament and counter-proliferation

The run-up to next year's five-yearly NPT review conference offers a chance to bolster the fraying anti-proliferation regime.

ECONOMIST: Getting to zero

The department was subject to a Serious Case Review after the death of five-year-old Tyler Whelan, murdered by his mother's former partner in March 2011.

BBC: Tyler Whelan

Previous reviews were piecemeal, covering roughly five departments a year, but this one will be across-the-board: a powerful cabinet committee will review categories of spending that cover more than one department.

ECONOMIST: Public spending