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Mastermind of U.S.S. Cole Bombing Dodges Legal Bullet for Now [UPDATED]

By Larry Johnson on February 5, 2009 at 8:54 PM in Current Affairs

nashiriWhat a mess. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, alleged mastermind of the October 2000 bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, no longer faces charges for his terrorist past. According to ABC News:

As President Obama prepared to order the Department of Defense’s Military Commission to withdraw charges against terrorist suspect Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri on Friday afternoon, the convening authority for the Commission, Susan Crawford, withdrew the charges on her own Thursday night.

The charges were withdrawn without prejudice, meaning they later can be reinstated in a military commission or pursued in a civilian court. Al-Nashiri will remain in custody.

This is one of the many fuck ups by George Bush. Al-Nashiri was captured back October 2002 and, despite having him in custody for more than six years, the Bushies could not figure out what to do with him. This one ain’t on Barack.

And while we are at it, we would not be in this dilemma if the Commander of the U.S.S. cole, Kirk Lippold, had done his job in the first place. That clown failed to implement his ship’s security plan and created an opening that allowed the terrorists to attack the Cole. Instead of doing the decent thing and keeping his yap shut, Lippold is back seeking public attention.

Asked for reaction to the news, Commander Kirk Lippold (Ret.), former Commander aboard the U.S.S. Cole when it was bombed on October 12, 2000, told ABC News that he was “concerned” about the move.

“For some reason the administration says what’s been expressed through the legislature is not sufficient,” Lippold said of the military commissions, which he said had “undergone extensive legal and legislative review…They need to allow the process to go forward.”

The 26-year Navy veteran said he found the decision to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay “disappointing,” but he seemed willing to hear the president out.

“I’m interested in hearing what his long-term plan is on how he’s going to deal with the detainees because he hasn’t articulated that,” he said. “He may have a clear-cut path that may massage some of the concerns that I know many of the families have right now.”

Lippold, you failed to deploy patrol boats. You failed to put security watches on deck with fully loaded weapons. You failed as a Commander and because you failed to do your job you made it possible for terrorists to hit your ship. You should have blown the assholes out of the water before they got close to your ship’s hull. But you failed. So before you start bashing Barack Obama take a good long look in the mirror and realize that if you had done your job right in the first place al-Nashiri would be just another frustrated terrorist with a bunch of dead buddies.

UPDATE–The ignorance of some of you folks is unbelievable. Soldier4Hillary is especially ignorant on this count. I am not siding with any fucking terrorist. The facts are simple. The port was a high threat port. The Captain had a security plan that required him to put patrol boats in the harbor and ARMED guards on the deck ready to fire. He did not do either of these. His failure to take basic security precautions was equal to George Bush ignoring the CIA warning that Al Qaeda was ready to strike inside the United States.

This is not Monday morning quarterbacking. It is a very simple principle–if you have a security plan FUCKING PUT IT INTO PLACE. Real simple.

  • BB

    Another mess Obama and the Democrats have to fix.

    • http://! stodgie

      and you think they’ll fix it? yeah, sure! they enabled bush and helped create the problem.

  • Patrick Henry

    A~MEN LC…!!

  • James

    Waiting. for. Clinton’s. fault.

    • UKforDems

      Well done Larry, some sense. I think some “ground pounders” will probably end up on Fox blaming Obama for this, spreading the muslim fear card again.

  • Hot Librarian

    The USS Cole was during the Clinton admin I believe. What did that lot do about it?

    Maybe this guy was not guilty . Maybe they got the wrong one.

    I am surprised to see Larry publicly attacking a US naval captain. This just one incident in al the ME naval patrols deployments after The Gulf War.This time the attack was a propaganda victory but hardly Pearl Harbour.

    It was in the enemy’s backyard .

    • http://NoQuarterUSA.net Larry Johnson

      And if the boneheaded commander had fulfilled his obligation his crew would not have suffered casualties and he might have finished out his career with honor. But he did not.

    • Strawberrybitch

      That’s Larry’s point. Those bastards should have never gotten that close. We’re talking Yemen here. Terrorist hotbed. We were all shocked when that happened. That captain did not do his job. I’m curious Larry, what ever happened to him? And is it true some of the other guys accused of the bombing escaped custody in Yemen by digging a tunnel?

      • Strawberrybitch

        Holy Crud Larry, I just wikied the USS Cole and found out that the USS Sullivans was almost attacked back in January of 2000 in the same port. That commander should have been thrown in the brig. He knew there was a threat and did nothing. His punishment, he didn’t make captain. UGH!

      • http://www.anvp.wordpress.com soldier4hillary

        The Captain didn’t do his job? Wow. You know, instead of destroying everyone that dare questions or point out facts towards the administration. Why not just say: “I am going to side with the majority and join the bandwagon because I don’t have a fucking mind of my own”.

        It’s so easy to toss rocks when you live in the Obama glass house. Tell me, how many people have YOU been over that you were responsible for THEIR lives? So years later, all of a sudden, the *Commander* didn’t do his job and he is responsible for the lives lost? Hmmm yeah, I got it. It’s almost like how the *Clintons were now racist*. The only common denominator in this entire scenario is the fact that if you are not part of the group think mentality and speak on your own. Either all of a sudden your racist or all of a sudden you didn’t do your job.

        See, some things are funny that way. We like, you know have this thing called Rules of Engagement. Now I am sure *blowing* people out of the water sounds good and may be in a Tom Clancy novel. But it don’t work that way. Unfuckingbelievable. Blame the Commander of the ship for a terrorist attack instead of wondering why the fuck this asshole case has gotten dropped.

        Hell, let’s just let all of them go. I am fucking tired of these blogs bashing these former commanders and generals just to carry fucking water for the other side. The deaths lay at the Commanders feet? All of a sudden it’s his fault? This is it for me. First Daily Kos with the Gitmo judge and now NQR with the fucker who bombed the U.S.S Cole.

        • Strawberrybitch

          Soldier, there had already been an attempt on the Sullivans. He should have had a security team manning the deck guns 24 hours a day. There is no excuse for allowing those boats to get that close. The commander of the Sullivans didn’t.

        • AlexisM

          Good one Soldier. It’s hard to figure out how deep the self loathing goes of all these people who trash America and set the terrorists free with an apology that we ever held them accountable. I have no idea what that is about but I want it to end. It’s a disgrace. The poor people who fight for our country getting attacked for doing it while murderers get a pat on the back, free ride, and free lunch. Self loathing is a euphemism for the people who have these sick thoughts.

          • Strawberrybitch

            My husband, my father, four cousins and many more all the way back to the founding of the state of California have served this country. How about you OIAF? How many years have you served in uniform? Or how many sleepless nights have you spent worried your husband would be blown to shit by mortar rounds or IEDs? Three and a half years for me. And my husband was an E-6, he did hold men’s lives in his hand. He agrees, security measures were not adequate.

        • Peggy Sue

          Soldier4Hillary, we’re on your side. I come from a military family that goes back to the Civil War. And I would never side with this terrorist or any other. If Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri manages to skip justice [and I don't care what the reason is] it’s a mark against every one of us and unbelievably stupid. Frankly, I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m beginning to believe we’re turning into our own worst enemy.

          Keep the faith!

        • RebelCarol

          So years later, all of a sudden, the *Commander* didn’t do his job

          NO the Captain did not “do his job.” He failed! He lost his ship and lost members of his crew. Because he did not, and I repeat, did not, follow the security regulations he was suppose to follow. He knew he was entering a hot bed.

          Larry, please help here and explain to S4H the responsibilities of a Naval Captain. I don’t have the patience.

        • http://NoQuarterUSA.net Larry Johnson

          You are the one lacking a mind. You are a ground pounder and know nothing. I REPEAT NOTHING about the duty of the commander of a ship who has a security plan he is supposed to implement but, because the crew is tired and hot, decides not to. Well girlfriend, his failure to follow proper procedure led to the deaths of U.S. sailors and marines.

          Your stupidity pisses me off. The Chief of Naval Operations, still during the Clinton Administration, declined to punish the commander at the time even though he failed in his duty.

          • The Real HC

            I am with Soldier4.

            Punishing Lippold (or not) does not excuse al-Nashiri. I am surprised anyone would even make that argument.

            My neighbor was mugged in my alley. She should have known not to walk there at night with her itty bitty dog. Does that mean the cops should not arrest the person who committed the crime? Absolutely not.

            The.one.does.not.excuse.the.other.

        • brian haley

          Prior personal experience with aden port dictates that I speak out.The Coles Captain failed his ship and crew and down deep he knows it.There is no excuse because the threat in that particular harbour has been active for decades.The Commander had all the tools at his disposal but was derelict in his critical thinking.I do have compassion for him and at the same time more respect for Cmdr.Clark whom I sailed with into Aden.Thank-You Sir for being so vigilant and hardline.Now we understand.

    • RebelCarol

      I am surprised to see Larry publicly attacking a US naval captain.

      Larry stated the facts, the Captain of the USS Cole did not follow the security measures he should have had in place. That fact was brought out shortly after the attack. The Captain failed his ship and his crew.

      Don’t put the blame of this on the Clinton Administration. They were actively seeking to establish who was involved in the bombing.

  • The Real HC

    This is an awesome example of “blame the victim”.

    • AlexisM

      That’s because liberals hate America and Americans. And continue to apologize for our strength and power.

      • UKforDems

        Comment by AlexisM | 2009-02-05 23:44:53

        That’s because liberals hate America and Americans. And continue to apologize for our strength and power.

        Larry is a Liberal who hates America?

        Are you just a crazy wingnut?

  • Patrick Henry

    Bull Shit…Larry has always been about ACCOUNTABILITY and RESPONSIBILITY..

    The Captain was responsible for the Ships safety..

    I tired of these “BERUIT” Incidents..We are at war..

  • Mandelay

    Capt. Lippold should apologize to Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri.
    “Forgive me for tempting you to bomb my boat.”

    • http://NoQuarterUSA.net Larry Johnson

      No, Capt. Lippold should apologize to the families who lost sailors and marines on board his ship because he failed to implement the required security plan. Very simple. Blame the asshole who failed to do his job.

  • Mandelay

    Exactly. Which is why he needs to apologize. That will take care of everything. Justice will be served. America needs to atone for leaving itself open to attacks.

    • Strawberrybitch

      Mandelay, the same folks tried to blow up the USS Sullivans in the same port back in January of 2000. That commander should have had much tighter security since there had been an earlier attempt.

  • Patrick Henry

    The NSA needs to Atone for Leaving America open to Attacks..

    ESPECIALLY 9/11..They KNEW and Didn’t TELL…

    • Patrick Henry

      And..Since the NSA didn’t feel they were Answerable to either the FBI or CIA and withheld Terrorists names and INFORMATION..Like the Location of AlQaeds Operations center in Yemen where all Terrorist calls were be Directed to with NSA Knowledge Before 9/11..Why wasn’t NSA telling anyone..?

      So My queastion is..Who IS NSA~ Answerable to..??

      Since KNOWLEDGE and INFORMATION equal POWER…who Did Members of the Bush Team go to Pre 9/11 for information…?? I would seem with Cheney and Rumsfeld there..they must hav known about the assets of the NSA..

      Was NSA told to Only report to the President..or the Presaidents Officer…FIRST..

      What did TEAM~B do at the White House..?

      Why ws Vital Information withheld from CIA and FBI.. by NSA Who Ordered it WITH~Held..making that a PRIORITY over NATIONAL SECURITY..

      How the HELL could NSA do That..?

      Why are CIA and FBI the only One getting the Heat for 9/11 failures..??

      Does anyone know…??

  • Mandelay
  • SJ

    Am so sick and tired of people saying this was Bush fault and that was Bush fault, when in heavens name are the people who were elected going to come with some viable answers to this countries problems?

    Now we have oh this was Bush fault so Obama has to let this man go honestly who really cared if this vermin stayed in jail for the rest of his life?

    All this is just window dressing for Obama, even if Bush did not mess up Obama’s intention is to let every Muslim nut go, and have the USA join hands and sing we are the world with ever Muslim country, its time some of you wake up and see what is really going on, and get off this Bush did it crap.

    • AlexisM

      They won’t need to wake up to “get it.” The nuclear dirty bombs outside their windows, compliments of Obama’s pals, will wake them up just fine. This is a joke and the Bush crap has to end too. Good for Bush though. He’s going to look like a genius when the Obama destruction of America ends.

  • Mandelay

    http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1693537/posts

    ‘Scapegoat’ captain of USS Cole lashes out
    Telegraph ^ | 30 Aug 2006 | Francis Harris
    Posted on August 31, 2006 10:25:33 PM EDT by Marius3188

    The captain of the USS Cole, who saved his ship from sinking after an al-Qa’eda suicide attack by speedboat, has lashed out at senior Pentagon staff blocking his promotion because of allegations that he could have done more to protect the ship.

    Commander Kirk Lippold, who now serves behind a desk at the Pentagon, accused the head of the navy, Admiral Mike Mullen, and the navy secretary of “over-riding the judgment” of officers who had recommended his promotion.

    He complained he was the only officer being held to account for the attack in Aden harbour six years ago. The Cole had gone to Aden despite a recognition that terrorists were active in Yemen.

    Relatives of the Cole’s dead, and many serving and retired American sailors, have criticised the Pentagon’s decision, arguing that Cdr Lippold had been made a scapegoat.

    The blast killed 17 American seamen and blew a 40ft hole in the guided-missile destroyer. It was al-Qa’eda’s last major operation before the September 11 atrocities.

    “I am extremely disappointed by the about-face on the part of navy leadership,” Cdr Lippold told Navy Times. “The (official inquiry) findings still stand, that nothing I could have done as commanding officer would have prevented the attack or its results.”

    Navy secretary Donald Winter said he had decided that Cdr Lippold’s actions in Aden “did not meet the high standard expected of commanding officers”.

    But the decision was criticised by commentators, who argued that the navy was bending to the views of a single senator, John Warner, who chairs the powerful armed services committee.

    Mr Warner argued that he is not opposed to the promotion, but promised a public hearing on the attack if the commander’s name was formally placed before his committee.

    He once complained that “not a single disciplinary action of any kind was taken”.

  • Patrick Henry

    The New Captains Career was ended along with the Weapons Officer when six navy Divers died aboard the USS Grayback…in 1981…and those deaths were due to an Accident..

    Th CAPTAIN may not have been PROPERLY briefed about
    Threats against his Ship…But HE was responsible for ALL Security and safety measures..He FAILED to Anticipate BOMBERS using all means possible to attack his Ship (Including by Boat) in an Area known for such Acts ..

    There should have been Copunter Measures in Place..

  • OxyCon

    This one hits close to home because my high school friend and teammate was one of the sailors killed by that scum, and also because in my professional life, I personally worked on much of the electronics on DDG-67, having been involved with the Aegis weapon system.
    The least this country can do is round up all terrorists involved in that attack, give them a speedy trial, extract all the information they can from them, then hang them in a public square.
    Why is this terrorist still alive?
    As a rabid Bush basher, I can say that I always applauded the President when he captured or killed these bastards, and he did a pretty good job in this regard, I think. I applauded Bush when I read this article at the time it occured:
    ————-

    Sources: U.S. kills Cole suspect
    CIA drone launched missile

    SANAA, Yemen (CNN) –Six suspected al Qaeda members — including an al Qaeda chief wanted in the bombing of the USS Cole — were killed early Monday in Yemen when a CIA drone launched a “Hellfire” missile and struck the car they were traveling in, sources told CNN.

    It was the first direct U.S. strike against Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network outside Afghanistan since the U.S.-led war on terrorism began after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

    Officials with the Central Intelligence Agency and Pentagon refused to discuss the report.

    The sources who spoke to CNN said the Hellfire missile was launched from an unmanned Predator aerial vehicle. All six people in the car died, they said. (More on Predator)

    Video from the scene in Yemen’s oil rich Marib province showed the car blown apart, with most of it reduced to black ash in the desert.

  • Hot Librarian

    My question is -what are the defenses allowable in what is surely a hostile port?

    Hostile in 2 ways -politically (Yeman is a member of all Islamic forums + friendly with Iraq in 2000.
    -territorial integrity . US ships may not be ale to just blo up boats in this harbour.

    I know they cannot blow things up in my country -nor can they shoot people ,rape people or break any law.

    What I know & read of Yemen is that they are quite bolshie about their territorial rights. Throughout this time they were settling many border disputes& addressing old differences.

    Yemen was not a pushover for America . Maybe USS Cole was restricted.

  • Hot Librarian

    To me the real failures are the desk bound people who sent the SS Cole into a proven hostile port . My guess was to intimidate the Yemenis into joining up as Arab lapdogs & they considered the SS Cole dispensible.

    It reminds me of the botched Iranian hostage rescue.

  • Rio

    This blog is maintained by Gary Swenchonis, father of Fireman Gary G Swenchonis, Jr. who lost his life on the USS Cole that day.

    http://terrorismpolitician.blogspot.com/

    I know Mr. Swenchonis would most appreciate support in his long fight for justice for his son.

    If interested, go over there and spend a bit of time with him.

    • Mandelay

      Thank you for this link, Rio. If this father cannot throw a stone at the Commander, then I’m not picking up any rocks either.

  • James

    The commander was on morning joe today.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/#29051408

  • Skeeter16

    With some of the words the writer of this used I have no confidence in anything he has to say. Using the words he used shows his lack of education or he just didn’t pay attention in school.
    Let’s just keep blaming Bush. Give Obama a pass on everything. He does walk on water.