Benghazi attack: Bipartisan Senate report spreads blame

[No Elephants]

CBS News/ December 31, 2012, 3:21 AM
Benghazi attack: Bipartisan Senate report spreads blame

A bipartisan report from the Senate Homeland Security Committee points fingers at the State Department, Pentagon and White House for failing to recognize and respond to security risks at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya before the Sept. 11 terrorist attack that left Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans dead.

The report, titled "Flashing Red," finds that the Defense and State departments hadn't assessed the availability of U.S. agencies to respond in Benghazi "in the event of a crisis."

"Although DOD attempted to quickly mobilize its resources, it did not have assets or personnel close enough to reach Benghazi in a timely fashion," the report says."

It also criticizes the administration for being "inconsistent in stating publicly (in the days following the assault) that the deaths in Benghazi were the result of a terrorist attack."

The report is the latest fallout from the attack.

Security changes under way across U.S. outposts
State Dept. budget issues raised at Benghazi hearing
In Benghazi hearing, State Dept. concedes "we have to do better"

<snip>

Earlier this month, a report on the attack by an independent board led by retired Ambassador Thomas Pickering and former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen put the spotlight on what it said were failures by two bureaus at the State Department.

The two bureaus cited -- Near Eastern Affairs and Diplomatic Security -- were criticized for a security posture that was "grossly inadequate to deal with the attack," and for failing to coordinate with other agencies to better secure the consulate. The report specifically pointed to "systemic failures and leadership and management deficiencies at senior levels within two bureaus."

lots more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57561308/benghazi-attack-bipartisan-senate-report-spreads-blame/


How do you get a bi-partisan report out of our unabrow Congress?

[Enthusiast]

1. How about we remove U.S. Consulates from dangerous areas?

It might sound simplistic but why not try something different.