In the United States, Michèle Flournoy, who was considered the top contender to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, has taken herself out of the running for the post. Citing family concerns, Flournoy said she would keep her position as head of the Center for a New American Security, a think tank with close Pentagon ties which receives key financial backing from military contractors. The move comes after another possible contender, Rhode Island Democratic Senator Jack Reed, also removed his name from consideration. Obama announced Hagel’s departure Monday after pressuring him to resign, but he will stay on until a replacement is confirmed.