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Congress Demands Answers After Report Reveals CIA Found Militant Links Within 24 Hours of Benghazi Attack

Oct. 19, 2012 6:58pm Jason Howerton

GOP Lawmakers Furious After Discovering CIA Report on Benghazi Attack

A picture shows a burnt building at the US consulate compound in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on September 13, 2012 following an attack late on September 11 in which the US ambassador to Libya and three other US nationals were killed. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Republican lawmakers expressed outrage on Friday after it was revealed that President Barack Obama’s administration had information shortly after the attack that indicated that militants, not protesters angry about an anti-Muslim YouTube video, launched the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Within 24 hours of the deadly attack, the CIA station chief in Libya reported to Washington that there were eyewitness reports that the attack was carried out by militants, officials told The Associated Press. But for nearly two weeks, the Obama administration blamed the assault on a corny low-budget video ridiculing Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.

The report from the station chief was written late Wednesday, Sept. 12, and reached intelligence agencies in Washington the next day, intelligence officials said. It is not clear how widely the information from the CIA station chief was circulated.

U.S. intelligence officials have said the information was just one of many widely conflicting accounts, which became clearer by the following week.

It was also revealed on Friday that U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens had concerns about security and al-Qaeda prior to the attack. Fox News reports:

Across 166 pages of internal State Department documents — released Friday by a pair of Republican congressmen pressing the Obama administration for more answers on the Benghazi terrorist attack — slain U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and the security officers assigned to protect him repeatedly sounded alarms to their superiors in Washington about the intensifying lawlessness and violence in Eastern Libya, where Stevens ultimately died.

On Sept. 11 — the day Stevens and three other Americans were killed — the ambassador signed a three-page cable, labeled “sensitive,” in which he noted “growing problems with security” in Benghazi and “growing frustration” on the part of local residents with Libyan police and security forces. These forces the ambassador characterized as “too weak to keep the country secure.”

Paul Ryan, the Republican vice presidential nominee, led Friday’s charge.

Republican vice presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). (Credit: Getty Images)

“Look around the world, turn on your TV,” Ryan said in an interview with WTAQ radio in the election battleground state of Wisconsin. “And what we see in front of us is the absolute unraveling of the Obama administration’s foreign policy.”

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney says the disaster in Libya and throughout the Middle East are a direct result of Obama’s failed foreign policy. Meanwhile, Obama focuses on his signature national security accomplishment, which is the military’s killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

Ryan was teeing up the issue for Monday’s presidential debate on foreign policy.

“I’m excited we’re going to have a chance to talk about that on Monday,” Ryan said.

Congress is asking the administration for documents about the attack, in hopes of building a timeline of what the government knew and when.

“The early sense from the intelligence community differs from what we are hearing now,” Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said. “It ended up being pretty far afield, so we want to figure out why.”

Rep. William “Mac” Thornberry, R-Texas, a member of the House Intelligence and Armed Services committees, said: “How could they be so certain immediately after such events, I just don’t know. That raises suspicions that there was political motivation.”

Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) sent a letter directly to President Obama on Friday regarding the Benghazi attack and the administration’s actions following the assault:

“Information supplied to the committee by senior officials demonstrates that not only did the administration repeatedly reject requests for increased security despite escalating violence, but it also systematically decreased existing security to dangerous and ineffective levels. We have been told repeatedly that the administration did this to effectuate a policy of ‘normalization’ in Libya after the conclusion of its civil war. These actions not only resulted in extreme vulnerability, but also undermined Ambassador Stevens and the diplomatic mission.”

[...]

“Americans also deserve a complete explanation about your administration’s decision to accelerate a normalized presence in Libya at what now appears to be at the cost of endangering American lives. These critical foreign policy decisions are not made by low or mid-level career officials – they are typically made through a structured and well-reasoned process that includes the National Security Council at the White House.”

Obama, speaking Thursday on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” insisted that information was shared with the American people as it came in. The attack is under investigation, Obama said, and “the picture eventually gets filled in.”

Obama also explained that “if four Americans get killed, it’s not optimal.” The president was also criticized for that remark.

“What happens, during the course of a presidency, is that the government is a big operation and any given time something screws up,” Obama said. “And you make sure that you find out what’s broken and you fix it.”

Democrats have spent the past week explaining the administration’s handling of the attack. On Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said a period of uncertainty typically follows attacks.

“In the wake of an attack like this, in the fog of war, there’s always going to be confusion,” Clinton said. “And I think it is absolutely fair to say that everyone had the same intelligence. Everyone who spoke tried to give the information that they had.”

On Tuesday, Obama and Romney argued over when the president first called it a terrorist attack. In his Rose Garden address the morning after the killings, Obama said, “No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for.”

But Republicans said he was speaking generally and didn’t specifically call the Benghazi event a terror attack until weeks later. Until then, key members of the administration were blaming an anti-Muslim movie circulating on the Internet as a precipitating event.

US President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney participate in the second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on October 16, 2012. Obama and Romney face off in a town-hall style debate with undecided voters asking questions of the two candidates. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

This Wednesday, the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., put the blame on the director of national intelligence, James Clapper.

“I think what happened was the director of intelligence, who is a very good individual, put out some speaking points on the initial intelligence assessment,” Feinstein said in an interview with news channel CBS 5 in California. “I think that was possibly a mistake.”

Obama has weathered similar criticisms before. After both the failed bombing of a U.S.-bound airliner on Christmas Day 2009 and the attempted car bombing in Times Square in 2010, the Obama administration initially said there were no indications of wider terrorist plots. The Christmas Day bomber turned out to be linked to al-Qaida and the Times Square bomber was trained by the Pakistani Taliban.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (54)

Dont-hate-on-me-2
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:19pm
I know how to “fix it”. Remove the ****** and socialist chief with Mitt to put a stop to the current agenda. Then work from there to get our country back.

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- lovenfl3
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 11:53pm
  Good luck getting any answers from this President. How many scandals have to take place before people figure this guy out? It’s time for real change, not just a slogan.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlmEt4ESH20
  
  Report this comment
- tonypro
  Posted on October 20, 2012 at 2:00am
  Exactly LOVEFL3,
  
  This will be a bigger cover up than “farce & frustrated”
  
  Can we say executive privileged boys and girls…….
  
  Report this comment
- Bohump
  Posted on October 20, 2012 at 7:37am
  Has Anyone Ever Heard of The World .. Impeach ? .. It’s a word I would like to hear Use’d more often In DC .
  
  Report this comment
- watashbuddyfriend
  Posted on October 20, 2012 at 11:29am
  @Bohump
  Posted on October 20, 2012 at 7:37am
  
  “Has Anyone Ever Heard of The World .. Impeach ? .. It’s a word I would like to hear Use’d more often In DC.”
  
  Can’t get impeachment when there is Going Along To Get Along!
  
  Report this comment
- BasketFullOfPuppies
  Posted on October 20, 2012 at 8:53pm
  I’d just like to know if ANYTHING is considered treasonous anymore? It certainly doesn’t look like it.
  
  Report this comment
arty6164
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:18pm
I would like to know why they would put a gay man in an ambassadorship position in the middle east to begin with.

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- hidden_lion
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:59pm
  they can demand all they want, all they will get from the White house is the finger.
  
  Report this comment
- Gold Coin & Economic News
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 9:31pm
  This next debate is going to be a slam dunk for Romney if he plays his cards right. The subject is foreign policy, get that, FOREIGN POLICY for the last debate and Obama has a chance at winning that one? There hasn’t been a straight story on Libya from day one from Obama and Romney will shred him on that and take apart his LIE from the second debate when Candy Crowley assisted him here:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjEeYRy3d_M
  
  Report this comment
nzkiwi
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:11pm
It has been crystal clear for some time now that the Obama administration told lie after lie to the American people and to the world. There can be no serious debate about that.

To my mind, the important question is why. There are several possibilities that have all been discussed here, but they media and congress need to focus on that like a laser. While the bickering goes on about who said what and when, the Obama administration is not having to answer that most important question.

To use a New Zealand colloquialism; the blowtorch needs to be applied to the y-fronts.

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kalli
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:07pm
Pathetic. Diane Frankenstein: “I think what happened was the director of intelligence, who is a very good individual, put out some speaking points on the initial intelligence assessment,” Feinstein said in an interview with news channel CBS 5 in California. “I think that was possibly a mistake.”

You think??? How about producing some evidence that makes you “think” this is what happened. You leftwing nutcases think we the people are too dumb to “think” for ourselves. It was pretty obvious this was a terrorist attack the following day, and the blimey liar-in-chief and his lying sec. of state blame a lame video and have the maker arrested. A muslim country under sharia law would behead all of you for being traitors to your countrymen.

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The-Monk
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:02pm
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..
Congress Demands Answers…..

Over and over again…..

Hope we win the Senate and keep the House…. with more people like Col West.

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dshamis20
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:57pm
“Find out what’s wrong and fix it” and so we shall – November 6th

We should trust Bite-me when he says “We will know the time when Iran has the capability to deploy a nuke” — yeah I trust you…

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Chrison
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:54pm
With this being such an obvious political cover-up, the LAST thing America needs is for Obama to win re-election in November. If that happens, we could have the Watergate affair all over again!

Think about it folks. Just as Nixon was able to “cover-up” Watergate long enough to get re-elected, his corruption was eventually found out and he was forced to resign in disgrace, making Gerald Ford the President. Now, fast-forward to the present time. Suppose that Obama wins re-election but, eventually, the whole truth about the Libya fiasco comes out and he’s forced to resign in disgrace.

That would make JOE BIDEN President of the United States!

Please, please, PLEASE, people! Let’s get this guy OUT of office NOW so that America doesn’t have to run the risk of having Biden as President! There’s AMPLE evidence that Obama has been a total failure as President, and there needs to be a change in direction NOW!

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Diane TX
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:37pm
I don’t why Obama even bother to lie. Who believed that Obama had solved the problem of Islamic terrorism by taking out Osama Bin Laden? As Paul Ryan said, the Obama administration’s foreign policy is absolutely unraveling.

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zoro51
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:34pm
I SMELL IMPEACHMENT- OH so good it smells…

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foxrocks
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:31pm
What would be optimal is that Nov. 7th election results show obama looses, Chrissy Tingles has nervous breakdown, Nov. 8th Congress brings obama up on charges for Libya cover up. Nov 9th Holder gets arrested for fast and furious and goes to jail. Nov. 10th Michelle, valerie jarret, move back to Chi town. Nov. 11th Timmy G and benny B resign. Nov.12. James Clapper gets put in jail for Libya cover up. Nov. 13th Joe Biden gives acceptance speech as he thinks it’s 2008.

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HollyRye
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:30pm
“That raises suspicions that there was political motivation.”
Ya think????

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Carlinpa
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:26pm
After liberal accused Romney of making this political we find of course this was typical projection and that the fact was the Oman administration was cover this up for POLITICAL reasons!

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- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:54pm
  Romney DID make this political. You can’t hide the fact he was complaining while the attack WAS STILL GOING ON! And it’s funny how the Blaze Tries to pretend it’s NOT political. CONGRESS is just a code word for “Republicans”.
  
  Report this comment
- kalli
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:38pm
  EX: This attack not only killed four Americans, it was an attack on US sovereign soil, and that makes it an offense against America. Romney called it right!!!!
  
  Romney called the embassy statement disgraceful. “When our (embassy) grounds are being attacked and being breached that the first response of the United States must be outrage at the breach of the sovereignty of our nation and apology for America’s values is never the right course,” Romney said.
  
  Report this comment
- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 10:06pm
  KALLI. You’re right. But to attack the president while the attack was happening is politicising the issue. Most people agreed to that before, even repubs. You can’t demand answers while the crime is occurring. It cheapens and exposes whatever Romney has to say today.
  
  Report this comment
Just_Bubba
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:20pm
They will get nothing but lies and deception from this administration. There is an election at stake and this was merely a “bump in the road” to be handed in typical Saul Alinsky fashion. Lie then obsfucate and then blame the innocent. Typical behavior for a narcissistic moron who is a man child in a adult world. His past is hidden and his present is shrouded in clouds of secrecy. What else would you expect from a pathological liar.

America’s future is bleak with this tool in office for 4 more years.

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SITDOWNANDSHUTUP
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:20pm
This will go no where………….

The MSN will not cover this information, or any hearings that might come from it.

The stupid left does not care about this because it was NOT perpatrated by a Republican.

To them, it is a non-issue……and it always will be.

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woodyee
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:19pm
Romney needs to bring this up on Monday, when the topic of the debate is Foreign Policy…IF Gaybama doesn’t cancel on account of some weekend October surprise…

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- Just_Bubba
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 8:04pm
  You really have to wonder what kind of black swan event they are planning on rolling out just in the nick of time to save the liars azz. I can’t believe (yes, I almost can) that they embedded and enabled their complete master plan in Obamacare and that they are willing to just walk away now and let us spend the rest of our lives unraveling / removing it.
  
  Report this comment
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:18pm
Its far past time for Obama to leave the office of POTUS, and be tried for his crimes. This mess will only get more and more massive.

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- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:55pm
  If you can’t prosecute Georgie, you’ll never get away with prosecuting Obama. Real Americans aren’t that stupid.
  
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woodyee
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:18pm
About the only excuse Gaybama has for NOT knowing (if in fact that’s true) is dereliction of duty, which is an impeachable offense. He could plead that in light of the fact that he rarely attends natsec briefings.

I happen to believe he pulled security to ensure that Stevens died, so as not to reveal that Gaybama and Hillary have been arming terrorists linked to Alqaeda. That would explain Hillary’s quick fall on the sword.

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- 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:21pm
  “Gaybama and Hillary have been arming terrorists linked to Alqaeda”
  You hit the nail on the head WOODROW.
  
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- SITDOWNANDSHUTUP
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:22pm
  What is the “Gaybama” tag for??? Please enlighten the uninformed……..
  
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- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:24pm
  This is entirely too plausible. It would also explain why both Glen Doherty’s mom and Chris Stevens’ dad went all Cindy Sheehan on the Romney camp.
  
  Report this comment
Wool-Free Vision
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:17pm
Obama was for the lie before he was against the lie before he denied knowledge of the lie before he blamed the lie on Hillary before he accepted responsibility for the lie before he blamed intelligence for the lie. I blame intelligence too, as in Obama’s complete lack thereof.

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Chromo200
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:17pm
Congress can ask all it wants .. They have become a paper tiger .. And now we will be hearing from McCain for several weeks “Blah Blah Blah”. Nothing will happen until both sides need to learn to work together. Because of the present divide Obama is taking advantage of it and making our live miserable.

Congress wants to show any guts, start the impeachment process on Obama and specially if he wins second term.

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barber2
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:17pm
Congress demands ? Demands ? Wait until Holder hears that ! Ho.Ho. That’s a funny one. The Obama Administration has the media in its pocket. The media now rules America. That is why the Obama Administration gets away with their lies , their international intrigues, and their failure to protect American interests. Very transparent….Soros / Media Matters…

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Diane TX
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:14pm
Let’s not forget the $70,000 of taxpayer money spent to apologize for the fake excuse for Benghazi. Obama and Hilary need to pony up $35.000 each. They can consider it a fine for lying.

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Tired of Code Names
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:13pm
Simple here. Romney is interested in saving the AMERICAN EAGLE. Obama is more interested in saving Big Bird. http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/debate-chat—in-this-corner-mitt-romney-businessman-job-creator-millionaire-in-this-corner-bar/question-3250923/?link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://www.thelookingspoon.com/tlsimages/blog/2012/obama_romney_big_bird_eagle.jpg

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No Dice
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:12pm
Please identify the intelligence agency or person(s) who told you that the attack was as a result of a peaceful protest over a video that got violent. And while you are at it, please explain why the attack at Ft. Hood is workplace violence instead of terriorism? Almost all of workplace violence involved a person recently fired or soon to be fired and none of them yelled god is good when shooting the victims!

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- barber2
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:21pm
  Huh? You ” Allah Akbar” isn’t the usual scream of an angry ex-employee ? Shucks…who’d have thought…
  
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- arty6164
  Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:52pm
  Also he now has a beard he refuses to shave for his trial. He says it is for his religion. Did he have a beard when he was gunning down our soldiers? Workplace violence? What a crock.
  
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HKS
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:11pm
MSM will bury this story, it won’t get a mention.

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Too_Far_Gone
Posted on October 19, 2012 at 7:07pm
Here come more lies ..

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