Top Pentagon Official Mara Karlin Stepping Down Amid Leadership Gaps and Policy Objections
• Mara Karlin, a top Pentagon policy official, is stepping down at the end of December.
• Karlin's departure leaves gaping holes in Pentagon leadership as many nominations are held up by Sen. Tuberville.
• Tuberville has blocked hundreds of military nominations over objection to military abortion policy.
• Karlin led development of new Biden administration defense strategy and oversaw relations with 150 countries.
• Melissa Dalton will take over Karlin’s duties when she departs at the end of 2022.