Who Are Obama's Key National Security Advisers?—PICTURES

Obama: Hillary Rodham Clinton: Obama’s onetime rival has become arguably his most powerful national-security adviser, helping to craft the Afghan surge, the decision to use military force in Libya, and the administration’s escalating support for the Syrian rebels. (Chet Susslin)

Obama: The former White House chief of staff and budget guru was Obama’s only choice for the Pentagon job, and Panetta has managed to keep its top military commanders from publicly rebelling against the planned Defense Department budget cuts. (Chet Susslin)

Obama: John Brennan: As Obama’s chief counterterrorism aide, Brennan oversees the interagency process that selects subjects for targeted assassination overseas by American drones or commandos. He also serves as a back-channel emissary to top national-security officials in countries such as Yemen. (Chet Susslin)

Obama: Adm. William McRaven: He is not the military’s highest-ranking official, but McRaven earned Obama’s respect by overseeing the bin Laden raid and several other successful strikes. The head of the Special Operations Command sat with first lady Michelle Obama at last year’s State of the Union address. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)