Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey spoke to reporters and answered questions about a number of issues. He talked about his recent trip to Asia as part of the administration’s strategic shift toward that region, which was intended to produce greater military and diplomatic attention to Asian nations. He also said that economic and political pressures had not reduced violence in Syria, but did not believe it was time for military action. He also discussed ongoing operations against al-Qaida and the Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan.