Lawmaker defends Benghazi probe
WASHINGTON – The chairman of a special House committee investigating the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, strongly defended his inquiry Wednesday, even as Democrats and some Republicans said previous probes already have answered remaining questions about the attacks that killed four Americans.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said he is “keenly aware” that many people from both parties believe there is nothing left to investigate after the previous reviews, including a House Intelligence Committee report last month that found no wrongdoing by Obama administration appointees.
But Gowdy said “some of those very same folks who now tell us to move on did not believe we should have investigated Benghazi in the first place.”
A report by the intelligence panel found that the CIA and the military acted properly in responding to the 2012 attack.
Ireland says it may recognize Palestine
DUBLIN – Ireland’s foreign minister said his government is considering recognition of Palestinian statehood as a possible tactic for kick-starting Middle East peace talks, an idea bitterly opposed by Israel.
Ireland became the latest European Union member Wednesday to approve a non-binding parliamentary motion seeking recognition of Palestinian statehood. Lawmakers in Britain, France and Spain already have passed similar motions calling on their governments to follow Sweden, which on Oct. 30 ignited debate by becoming the first western EU member to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said Ireland’s government was considering the move.
Associated Press
