Fact Check: "As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was indirectly responsible for the security of the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya."
What We Know
The claim that Hillary Clinton was indirectly responsible for the security of the diplomatic compound in Benghazi stems from the events surrounding the tragic attack on September 11, 2012, which resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Multiple sources indicate that prior to the attack, there were numerous requests for increased security at the U.S. mission in Libya, which were reportedly denied by officials in Washington, including those at the State Department, where Clinton served as Secretary of State (source-1).
In her testimony before Congress, Clinton acknowledged her responsibility for the security of American diplomatic missions, stating, "I take responsibility" for the failures that led to the attack (source-2). An independent review board later confirmed that there were significant deficiencies in the security measures taken by the State Department, which Clinton oversaw (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence indicates that while Clinton did not directly manage security operations in Libya, as Secretary of State, she held ultimate responsibility for the safety of U.S. diplomats abroad. The repeated requests for increased security by the U.S. mission in Libya were not met, which has been a focal point of criticism against her and her department (source-1).
However, it is essential to consider the context of these decisions. The State Department operates within a complex bureaucratic framework, and security decisions are often influenced by various factors, including budget constraints and assessments of risk. Clinton's assertion that she took responsibility and implemented reforms following the attack suggests an acknowledgment of systemic issues rather than a direct admission of negligence (source-3).
The reliability of sources varies; while congressional hearings and independent reviews provide substantial information, they can also be influenced by political agendas. For instance, the hearings led by Republican members of Congress have been criticized by some as politically motivated rather than purely investigative (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that Hillary Clinton was indirectly responsible for the security of the diplomatic compound in Benghazi is Partially True. While she did not directly oversee security measures, as Secretary of State, she was ultimately responsible for the safety of U.S. diplomats and the decisions made regarding security requests. The denial of these requests, coupled with her acknowledgment of responsibility, supports the claim to an extent, but it also highlights the complexities of bureaucratic decision-making and the shared responsibility among various officials.
Sources
- Denied: US Diplomats in Libya Requested More Security House Oversight Committee
- Hillary Clinton endures marathon grilling on Benghazi attack BBC News
- Clinton Takes Responsibility for Security Failure in Libya The New York Times
- 2012 Benghazi attack Wikipedia
- Hillary Clinton takes responsibility for Libya US deaths BBC News
- Clinton again takes responsibility for Benghazi attack Al Jazeera
- Clinton: I'm responsible for diplomats' security CNN
- Here's what you should know about the deadly attack in Benghazi PBS NewsHour
