THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2024 15 up its nuclear ambitions in response to Israel’s actions: “The more vulnerable the Iranians look on non-nuclear options ... the greater the impetus will be in Tehran to opt for that nuclear capability.” As Israel continues its military campaign, Crocker urged caution: “If they talk themselves into believing that their incredible feats of arms and intelligence actually constitute a victory, then that is very dangerous.” He highlighted the need for diplomacy and a potential cease-fire to avoid further escalation. OIG Report Highlights Staffing Shortfalls A September 2024 report from the State Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has identified both strengths and challenges within the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM). The OIG’s evaluation covered the bureau’s executive direction, foreign policy priorities, staffing, resource management, and information systems, with particular attention given to the bureau’s ability to respond to increasing workloads tied to critical global issues. The report commended PM’s leadership, noting that both the assistant secretary and the principal deputy assistant secretary effectively communicated department priorities while fostering resilience among staff. The OIG found that the bureau’s staffing did not keep pace with the rapid growth in its workload. Efforts to address these staffing needs were deemed inadequate, highlighting gaps in the department’s workforce planning processes. The report also flagged concerns in contract and grants management, noting that contracting officers failed to perform sufficient oversight and that many assistance awards lacked full and open competition.
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