State Department under Hill scrutiny

[Dollface]

Source: The Associated Press

A congressional committee has launched an investigation into the State Department's inspector general, alleging that he blocked fraud investigations, including potential security lapses at the newly built U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Also under scrutiny is whether Blackwater USA, the private security firm banned this week from working in Iraq for the alleged killing of eight Iraqi civilians, was "illegally smuggling weapons into Iraq," according to a letter to IG Howard J. Krongard that was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.

The investigation involves allegations that "your strong affinity with State Department leadership and your partisan political ties have led you to halt investigations, censor reports, and refuse to cooperate with law enforcement agencies," Krongard was told.



Read more: http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/washington/index.ssf?/base/politics-13/1190138046182110.xml&storylist=washington

[rodeodance]

1. directing the assistance to "stop IMMEDIATELY"

....In addition to outlining a host of allegations against Krongard, the letter raises new problems for Blackwater. Although the company is not named in the letter, a senior administration official confirmed that Blackwater is the firm mentioned as being suspected of smuggling weapons into Iraq illegally.

According to a letter, a federal prosecutor asked Krongard's investigators to assist in the probe of the security contractor, but Krongard sent an e-mail to a senior staff member directing the assistance to "stop IMMEDIATELY" and to wait until he spoke to the prosecutor.

After weeks of delay, Waxman said, Krongard asked someone on his media relations staff — not an investigator — to assist the federal prosecutors. "This unorthodox arrangement has reportedly impeded the investigation," Waxman said.

Krongard, in testimony before the committee in July, dismissed allegations that foreign workers were mistreated in building the new complex in Baghdad. But he acknowledged that some recruiters may have misled foreign workers about pay expectations and living conditions.

CONTINUED 1 | 2 Nex

[Sam Ervin jret]

4. New Attn Gen. should be ASKED "WILL you ask for relevant MATERIAL from WHITE HOUSE?"

It has been reported (cnn news sept 18) that the Democrats would like to get information about this affair and others by using the new hearings for the Attn Gen. confirmation as a tool. some think this would backfire as the Dem's. would look like they were being obstructive. Are you kidding? Obstructing the obstruction of justice? Isn't that the job of the Att. Gen.? I would use the confirmation hearing to ASK outright "what do you intend do do about these things?" Do you have the backbone to and the independence to ask the White House to follow the rule of law?"

A little open questioning with some honest answers would be a welcome sight on the Hill. Let's get some information. Let's do what's right. For once, in a long time.

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

2. No one could have imagined Blackwater would smuggle weapons or kill

civilians.
Why does trouble follow Dr. Rice?

[DLnyc]

3. Because she doesn't know anyone that has any imagination?

Or maybe because she lives in a state of self-imposed delusion.