The Morning Brief - Lignet

 

Libya: Benghazi Consulate Report Misses the Mark
While a report issued this week by a special panel that examined the September 11, 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi contains strong criticism of State Department security procedures, it sidesteps many important questions about this tragedy that resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Most troubling, the report downplays the continuing threat from al Qaeda groups. In this special analysis, LIGNET examines the Benghazi Panel report with exclusive input from former UN Ambassador John Bolton, former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Pete Hoekstra, and Foundation for the Defense of Democracies President Cliff May.
To continue reading this LIGNET special report, upgrade your account status by clicking here.

Phares: Constitution Vote Moving Egypt Toward an Islamist State
Middle East expert Walid Phares told LIGNET in an exclusive LIGNET interview that a popular referendum to approve Egypt’s new constitution, the second half of which will be held tomorrow, is part of an ongoing march by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood to implement an Islamist state. Although the Egyptian military could step in an attempt to stop the Muslim Brotherhood’s actions, Phares explains that this is unlikely unless the Brotherhood begins to violently suppress its opponents.
To continue reading this LIGNET special report, upgrade your account status by clicking here.

Yemen: Distracting Military Shuffle Opens Door for Al-Qaeda
A military shuffle in Yemen has clipped the wings of a rogue general, a rival to power whose defiance toward the president might have led to a dangerous confrontation. Nevertheless, LIGNET believes the reorganization does not substantially alter the course of Yemen’s war against insurgents. In fact, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has used distractions caused by the political struggles of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to run rampant in the country’s bloody southern regions.
To continue reading this LIGNET special report, upgrade your account status by clicking here.