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Home Front: WoT
No regrets advising against Bin Laden raid, says Brennan
2013-02-08
US PRESIDENT Barack Obama's nominee to be the new CIA chief has said he does not regret advising against a strike targeting Osama bin Laden in 1998, a few months before the bombings of two US embassies in Africa.

Irish American John Brennan said that the attack could have killed other people as well as Bin Laden, and that the chances of success were minimal.

He also told the Senate Intelligence Committee the information supporting the attack was "not well grounded".

He said he was among numerous intelligence officials who urged against such an attack. Mr Brennan was the CIA station chief in Saudi Arabia at the time of the embassy bombings. Three years later, on September 11 2001, Bin Laden launched the deadliest terrorist attacks in US history.

Speaking at his confirmation hearing yesterday, Mr Brennan pledged to bring openness to the CIA and repair a "trust deficit" with congressional politicians.

He acknowledged that critics have accused the White House of failing to be as forthcoming with Congress and the public on national security issues as Barack Obama promised to be as President.
Posted by:tipper

#2  Brennan was for EITs and extraordinary rendition before he was against them. He prefers the term "extremists" rather than "jihadists." He is fluent in Arabic. That must be why he understands those fine nuances of language. Speaks like an auctioneer. IMO, never trust anyone who speaks too fast. Geraldo Rivera fawns over him and sings his praises (IMO, that is a strike against Brennan). For a lawyer, Rivera sure seems selective in which rights he likes and which he would be O.K. scrapping in the Bill of Rights.
Posted by: JohnQC   2013-02-08 08:47  

#1  Irish American John Brennan said that the attack could have killed other people as well as Bin Laden

We all know my drone programme only terminates the designated target. I'm no second class Irish bomber; not killing innocent people has always been my greatest concern.

and that the chances of success were minimal.

But, but, but General Petreaus visited PAK a week before the operation, it was all wired. Didn't you see the movie? Oh wait, that part wasn't in the movie(s) ?

He also told the Senate Intelligence Committee the information supporting the attack was "not well grounded".

That POTUS, such a risk taker, such bravado! Who me? Well, I'm the risk avoidance, cautious type. Why do you ask?

Mr Brennan pledged to bring openness to the CIA and repair a "trust deficit" with congressional politicians.

Trust me. I'm here for YOU!
Posted by: Besoeker   2013-02-08 01:59  

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