From Reuters:  Bernard Bajolet, a career diplomat with a history of postings in the Arab world, was nominated on Tuesday as the new head of France’s DGSE external intelligence agency. . . .

Bajolet, who was most recently overseeing France’s military pullout from Afghanistan as ambassador there, was named by President Francois Hollande to replace Erard Corbin de Mangoux. . . .

[Bajolet] will be charged with ensuring the 5,000-strong DGSE maintains its capacity to protect French interests abroad ahead of a strategic review of the country’s defence spending that will bring sharp budget cuts.  (photo: AP)

Image: ap%204%2011%2013%20bernard-bajolet.jpg