Most likely White House security leaks put Americans abroad at risk, admiral says

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/27/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Special Operations Command Admiral William McRaven addresses a wealth of topics at forum

In a wide ranging discussion, his longest since the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden last year, Special Operations Command Admiral William McRaven says that national security leaks have put lives at risk and may ultimately cost Americans their lives unless there is an effective crackdown.

Special Operations Command Admiral William McRaven told the annual conference that President Obama was a 'fantastic' commander in chief. The forum brings together the nation's top minds on national security.

Facebook Delicous MySpace

Twitter Stumble Digg

More Destinations

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "The President and Capitol Hill are taking these leaks very, very seriously," McRaven said at the Aspen Security Forum. "We need to do the best we can to clamp down because sooner or later it is going to cost people their lives or it is going to cost us our national security."

McRaven told the annual conference that President Obama was a "fantastic" commander in chief. The forum brings together the nation's top minds on national security.

He also found time to praise former CIA Director and current Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who he said was not concerned on who would get the credit if the mission was a success.

The Admiral also expressed a sense of trust with the Afghans in Afghanistan that they work with, suggesting that U.S. forces may be in harm's way beyond the administration's stated goal. "I'm not sure all U.S. troops will be out by 2014," McRaven said.

With the recent series of deadly bombings in Iraq, McRaven said Al Qaeda in Iraq, also known as AQI is a problem. He suggested that the terrorist network maintains the ability to reconstitute. The Admiral also pointed out that the number of al-Qaeda members in Afghanistan, which is in the hundreds, is dwarfed by the terrorist group's ranks in Yemen and Somalia.

McRaven offered few details about the Osama bin Laden raid, which was a classified operation, McRaven did say that some members of Seal Team 6 spoke a second language, explaining that the "average operator" was 34 years old, married with two children.

McRaven defined the ideal Navy Seal as one who can think on their feet, can react quickly and has the life experience and maturity need for the challenging position.

Moderated by CNN's Wolf Blitzer, the Admiral admitted that he had majored in journalism before settling on a career in the Navy. At the end of the 75-minute discussion, Blitzer asked the Admiral if he had given up his ambitions to be a journalist. The Admiral said without hesitation - "absolutely."

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: William McRaven, security leaks, Osama bin-Laden raid, forum

NEWSLETTERS »

Rate This Article

Was this helpful to you? Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Would you be interested in more articles like this? Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

1 - 2 of 2 Comments

vin
9 months ago
How serious can the admistration be about the leaks when they refuse to appoint an independent council to investigate? That speaks louder than words to me. I love how this adminstration puts words into peoples mouths. How many people have had to backtrack any negative remarks they make? I don't remember that with any other administration, even Clintons's.
Ta-152-H
9 months ago
I wonder how many American military lives were put in danger when President Bush's White House leaked their intentions to invade Iraq to FoxNews commentator Brit Hume .Hume would bring the intent of President Bush up towards Iraq on Fox out of nowhere the other commentators would fall silent then look at him in disbelief as I did at home.( I recall Hume could hardly conceal his delight at the prospect of war) The Bush White House knew FowNews would be on their side and push their angle for the war and so leaked to their friends there.

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment