U.S. Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, addresses senior defense leaders from nine countries throughout the region during a conference here Sept. 12. The two-day conference included chiefs of defense from the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf countries – Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates – as well as Jordan and Egypt. The event was designed to underscore the U.S. commitment to the region, help gain a better understanding of regional concerns, and identify opportunities to strengthen relationships between defense chiefs and senior U.S. military leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Dana Flamer/Released)