So, I lost my sister there. What's been very clear to me all along. The Saudis have a diminishing asset (oil), they are rushing to make their wealth permanent for generations. They have invested over $700 billion dollars in the US (Source: Google). So, US public policy is being managed to protect them... What is disturbing to me is that there are plenty of countries that invest this or more in the US, like England and Holland. But we seem to make major accommodations for the Saudis that we do not extend to other nations. I suspect the reason for this approach is that the Saudis are invested in areas that benefit influential members of our political system.
As long as we allow this linkage between money and politics, we aren't going to be able to change for the better. 15 out of 19 of those sad, confused, young men held Saudi passports. If you go to the 911 Museum, you'll find no reference to that FACT in the exhibit. Interestingly, you will also find no Saudis on the donor plaque at the museum. The Saudis are merely taking full advantage of an open political system and at the same time, members of our political system are taking advantage of their Saudi benefactors.
In the end, I have a niece and she has had a tough 16 years of life, to-date. My hope is that some decent Saudis understand the harm that they caused by funding charities that funded the hijackers. That there is a personal toll to choices made and that those donors need to be held accountable for her benefit.
As long as we allow this linkage between money and politics, we aren't going to be able to change for the better. 15 out of 19 of those sad, confused, young men held Saudi passports. If you go to the 911 Museum, you'll find no reference to that FACT in the exhibit. Interestingly, you will also find no Saudis on the donor plaque at the museum. The Saudis are merely taking full advantage of an open political system and at the same time, members of our political system are taking advantage of their Saudi benefactors.
In the end, I have a niece and she has had a tough 16 years of life, to-date. My hope is that some decent Saudis understand the harm that they caused by funding charities that funded the hijackers. That there is a personal toll to choices made and that those donors need to be held accountable for her benefit.
25
Thank you for the post.
I wish you all the best.
Why is it that the 28 pages of the 911 commission are still redacted?
There is no good excuse for this whatsoever.
I hope Obama has the guts to have it released soon.
I wish you all the best.
Why is it that the 28 pages of the 911 commission are still redacted?
There is no good excuse for this whatsoever.
I hope Obama has the guts to have it released soon.
5
The fact that the Bush's: both father and son were tied with the Saudi family for years, fact that a large # of Saudi royals in USA at time of 9/11 were enabled byt he Bush administration to fly out of the country - even when there were no commercial planes were allowed to fly following 9/11 should just raise some doubts about the connection. As usual Bush and Cheney covered everything up and instead of going after Saudi Arabia and the terrorists they went after Saddam Hussein. Eventually it took Obama to launch a massive hunt for Osama bin Laden and eliminate him while he was living in the confines of Pakistan which was paid billions of dollars by the Bush administration. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat - just wake up and smell the coffee of what Bush and Cheney have done to the country you love so much.
25
Long overdue - and the redacted pages apparently name more than one government.
10
The extremists in Saudi Arabia played the USA beautifully. We have always known that 19 of the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia. How it was ever sold to the American people to start a war in Iraq and label Iran 'evil' after the attacks is still mind boggling. Saudi has more oppression of women, Islamic extremist fundamentalism and anti Americanism throughout their government than any other country in the middle east. Iraq had major universities, museums and a rich culture before the US destroyed their country, now it is a hotbed and home for ISIS extremists who were inspired to hate from those in power in Saudi Arabia. Ironically it is the Iranians who are now fighting to stop ISIS/Saudi Arabia from further destroying what is left of Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis are now dead because of the US 'intervention' there.
It would be considered anti American for anyone in government to admit that the US was wrong and made mistakes, but kudos to the Obama administration for working with Iran, reaching out to Cuba and trying to create an understanding rather than the simple minded approach of labeling countries 'good' and 'evil' and destroying countries that have different histories, perspectives and ideas (which are the same core beliefs of ISIS and Saudi Arabia).
It would be considered anti American for anyone in government to admit that the US was wrong and made mistakes, but kudos to the Obama administration for working with Iran, reaching out to Cuba and trying to create an understanding rather than the simple minded approach of labeling countries 'good' and 'evil' and destroying countries that have different histories, perspectives and ideas (which are the same core beliefs of ISIS and Saudi Arabia).
14
This 9/11 operation was very secretive. I would not be surprised that there were others in the U.S who may have known about it, but at the same time, the success of the operation was dependent on secrecy. Also, the fact that there were so many Saudi's in the country on the day of the attack, certainly makes me believe they didn't know it was going to happen.
Lastly, the Saudi ruling class were installed and supported by the U.S., more or less, as a puppet government in the region. We did the exact same thing in Iran, with the Shah. And in Iraq with Saddam. Bin Laden, was a mass murderer, but he certainly knew that most of the Middle East was owned by the U.S. because we protected each ruling class in each country. Bottom line, there is no way the Saudi's wanted 9/11 to happen because their entire existence depends on the United States of America.
While the attack happened, mostly, in downtown NYC, it was really against the Saudi regime, and the ongoing support of it, by the U.S.. Instead of blaming the Saudi's, (as Bin Laden hoped), Bush used the attack as a pretense to invade Iraq, (A country that had zero involvement.)
Lastly, the Saudi ruling class were installed and supported by the U.S., more or less, as a puppet government in the region. We did the exact same thing in Iran, with the Shah. And in Iraq with Saddam. Bin Laden, was a mass murderer, but he certainly knew that most of the Middle East was owned by the U.S. because we protected each ruling class in each country. Bottom line, there is no way the Saudi's wanted 9/11 to happen because their entire existence depends on the United States of America.
While the attack happened, mostly, in downtown NYC, it was really against the Saudi regime, and the ongoing support of it, by the U.S.. Instead of blaming the Saudi's, (as Bin Laden hoped), Bush used the attack as a pretense to invade Iraq, (A country that had zero involvement.)
5
The Big Lie that is 9-11 has ruined freedom in America. The redacted 28 pages are just the tip of the iceberg. More and more Americans are figuring out that the official story is hogwash. The mechanics of how 3 buildings fell can only be explained by a conspiracy of criminals, not hijackers that were role playing stand ins. The Pentagon and Flt 93 don't add up either. Those that wish to continue believing the MSM/Govt fairy tale are the types that want to bring Brian Williams back to NBC and continue to be entertained by his tall tales of Statist memes wrapped up in a Tootsie Roll pop. Wake up America....your liberty is dying.
8
The mechanics of how 3 buildings fell has been explained ad nauseum by numerous experts, and anyone with ANY common sense.
5
Interesting that we have a US congress committee looking into the Benghazi attacks to "get to the truth."
Yet, events associated with 9/11 attacks and Iraq invasion are glossed over to prevent "political witch-hunts."
People with power run our "democracy" and not those seeking the truth.
Yet, events associated with 9/11 attacks and Iraq invasion are glossed over to prevent "political witch-hunts."
People with power run our "democracy" and not those seeking the truth.
14
Good for Bob Graham.
The bad news is: Saudi Arabia still has oil.
Which means they're still our daddy and can get away with anything.
The bad news is: Saudi Arabia still has oil.
Which means they're still our daddy and can get away with anything.
9
Bush had the bin Laden family, and other prominent Saudi "royalty" flown out of the US days after 9/11, before they could even be interviewed by the FBI. He was already fabricating an excuse to go into Iraq. Al Gore would have been President if he had selected Graham as his running mate instead of Lieberman. Graham would have taken interest in reports of Al Qaeda activity right from the start, well prior to the attack.
18
I am sending a letter to Senator Graham blessing him for his efforts (and I am not religious). Following are some thoughts I am including in this letter:
▪ What role did the very close relationship between the Bushes, Dick Cheney, and Prince Bandar bin Sultan play in Saudi Arabia’s participation? Did the fact that Saudi Arabia has purchased billions of dollars in armaments from us have something to do with it? What role did Halliburton play in this relationship?
▪ Why did Vice President Cheney go into hiding immediately upon the attack? He was at that moment in charge of the US government; after all, President Bush was safely squirreled away in Florida reading to schoolchildren.
▪ Why were the Saudi-piloted planes not intercepted? Once Flight 11 made a sharp left to Manhattan, there was sufficient time to alert military aircraft who could have taken off from I believe there is an airbase along the Hudson and diverted that plane. Flights 93 and 77 also made sharp turns from their scheduled flightpaths; why was nothing done to pursue them?
I am not a conspiracy theorist, or a flake, just a person who remembers a different era and a different kind of government than what we have now: a government which engages in lies and coverups and denials, and keeps government affairs secret while intruding into our personal privacy ever more.
I hope all NYT readers who agree with me will support Senator Graham and bring the truth to light.
▪ What role did the very close relationship between the Bushes, Dick Cheney, and Prince Bandar bin Sultan play in Saudi Arabia’s participation? Did the fact that Saudi Arabia has purchased billions of dollars in armaments from us have something to do with it? What role did Halliburton play in this relationship?
▪ Why did Vice President Cheney go into hiding immediately upon the attack? He was at that moment in charge of the US government; after all, President Bush was safely squirreled away in Florida reading to schoolchildren.
▪ Why were the Saudi-piloted planes not intercepted? Once Flight 11 made a sharp left to Manhattan, there was sufficient time to alert military aircraft who could have taken off from I believe there is an airbase along the Hudson and diverted that plane. Flights 93 and 77 also made sharp turns from their scheduled flightpaths; why was nothing done to pursue them?
I am not a conspiracy theorist, or a flake, just a person who remembers a different era and a different kind of government than what we have now: a government which engages in lies and coverups and denials, and keeps government affairs secret while intruding into our personal privacy ever more.
I hope all NYT readers who agree with me will support Senator Graham and bring the truth to light.
19
You left out the part that no one was apparently court-martialed for the failure to have an air defense on 9/11. Compare with the government response to Pearl Harbor and it makes this one a real stinkeroo.
5
"...a person who remembers a different era and a different kind of government than what we have now: a government which engages in lies and coverups and denials, and keeps government affairs secret while intruding into our personal privacy ever more..."
SO... what era was that? I have been around since the late 60's, I have researched and it is clear that our government has always been corrupt. It got even worse in the 80's.
SO... what era was that? I have been around since the late 60's, I have researched and it is clear that our government has always been corrupt. It got even worse in the 80's.
4
It was the first thing that came to my mind when I learned that most of the hijackers were Saudi nationals.
Don't tell me that the Saudis didn't know these people?
Don't tell me that the Saudis didn't know these people?
11
Recently a groups of Jewish Americans won a civil verdict against the PLO for aiding terrorist acts that resulted in the death of their relatives in Israel during the second Intefada. The relatives were American citizens and so the US federal Court had jurisdiction over the claim.
I hope that the current civil case against the Saudi's goes forward with the same urgency and without the obfuscation by our own government. One does not need conspiracy theories to have grave suspicions if not actual evidence of Saudi complicity.
We know the attackers were mostly Saudi's, that they received funding for their efforts, that they were motivated by Wahhabism, and that they were probably at least known to Saudi intelligence. Whether they were actually aided by Saudi intelligence is the unanswered question.
As for the FBI denial, there are countless cases in which the FBI covered up or outright lied in open court. Remember the FBI lab scandals? That was minor compared to entire operations like COINTELPRO which the FBI denied ever existed until the Church Committee hearings in the 70's.
So i applaud Senator Graham's efforts and would add to the list as to why this case should go forward the simple fact that Saudi Arabia is a closed society. It is ruled by a small elite group of billionaires and the population is ruthlessly controlled by police. Oil has given them exceptional treatment by the US and impunity in international affairs. It's time that came to an end.
I hope that the current civil case against the Saudi's goes forward with the same urgency and without the obfuscation by our own government. One does not need conspiracy theories to have grave suspicions if not actual evidence of Saudi complicity.
We know the attackers were mostly Saudi's, that they received funding for their efforts, that they were motivated by Wahhabism, and that they were probably at least known to Saudi intelligence. Whether they were actually aided by Saudi intelligence is the unanswered question.
As for the FBI denial, there are countless cases in which the FBI covered up or outright lied in open court. Remember the FBI lab scandals? That was minor compared to entire operations like COINTELPRO which the FBI denied ever existed until the Church Committee hearings in the 70's.
So i applaud Senator Graham's efforts and would add to the list as to why this case should go forward the simple fact that Saudi Arabia is a closed society. It is ruled by a small elite group of billionaires and the population is ruthlessly controlled by police. Oil has given them exceptional treatment by the US and impunity in international affairs. It's time that came to an end.
13
I certainly hope that Mr. Graham is able to uncover the true and complete nature of the Saudi's involvement in the 9/11 attacks. 19 of the 20 terrorists were Saudi Nationals and I really do not believe that this is a coincidence. I DO believe that the Saudis are in this up to their collective necks - INCLUDING the Royal Family! And as far as the Saudis denying any involvement is concerned, I believe that they are following the tenets of the Koran which allow them to LIE to any non-Muslims as long as those lies allow Muslims to further the aims and goals of Islam, which is world domination! I believe, if the truth ever fully comes out, that we will find that the Saudis are nothing but terrorist backing LIARS!
8
Bush walked. Cheney walked. Wolfowitz walked. Tenet walked. Bolton walked. Rove walked. The Obama administration didn't prosecute any of them and they took this nation to war on a cooked up pile of lies. It was just a little war that took the lives of 4500 Americans, over 100,000 Iraqis, cost trillions, and blew apart the Middle East. No big deal at all.
19
If the FBI knew about the Saudi connection, it means Bush and co-horts knew it was a CLEAR lie to blame Iraq and Saddam. This is evidence that should be used in a courtroom to prosecute the Bush Admin. for KNOWINGLY MISLEADING US to war.
13
Call it what it is! War crimes for the deaths of over 1.3 Iraqis alone being "punished" for crimes they didn't commit!
US history is full of the criminal acts of the largest terrorist org on earth, the Criminals In Action aka CIA as well as false flags by our government.
US history is full of the criminal acts of the largest terrorist org on earth, the Criminals In Action aka CIA as well as false flags by our government.
2
Senator Graham is no doubt aware of the Saudi efforts to have us reject the Iran nuclear plan. He is also aware of the Saudi ties to ISIS, and the efforts of Al Qaeda and ISIS to crush the Houthis in Yemen while the Saudis claim that the Houthis are a menace to the west, whereas the west has only been attacked by Sunnis, Al Qaeda.
So if there is no smoking gun, no problem with Saudi involvement, Obama should declassify ALL of the documents Senator Graham is seeking.....or do we need another brave Snowden to open the door and show the world the dreadful facts, or relieve our our suspicions.
So if there is no smoking gun, no problem with Saudi involvement, Obama should declassify ALL of the documents Senator Graham is seeking.....or do we need another brave Snowden to open the door and show the world the dreadful facts, or relieve our our suspicions.
9
When I see the words Florida and politician in the same sentance I get nervous. But looking at the long, unbroken record of FBI overreaching and illegal activities (read the book Subervisives)in support of right wing causes and our inability to apply the concept of checks and balances to law enforcement I am more open to listening.
6
Why were 28 pages redacted at all?? What do they contain that the American people can't see?
9
Bush had them classified.
1
I think the visits are a red herring. Having lived in Saudi for quite awhile, a chance for Saudis to visit with other Saudis while in a strange country would be very welcome. Arabic culture is EXTREMELY social - and social ties are vital to functioning in Saudi Arabia. So the fact that a group of young Saudis visited a Saudi family in and of itself does not ring any alarm bells for me. But...if a pattern of money transfers, etc, is shown to exist - then my alarm bells are ringing full blast.
3
A lot of Saudis - well, a lot of RICH Saudis - visit New York so they can drink whiskey without scrutiny from the Islamic Purity brigades.
2
Bruce, the fact is that there was an uptick in
Put options on companies that were affected by the collapses such as the airlines, companies in the buildings, etc just prior to 9/11.
There was an investigation started into who benefitted but, the SEC asked witnesses to come forward, immediately deputized them as "independent agents" then promptly closed their investigation knowing that all those newly deputized "agents" would be jailed for releasing info on a fed case if they ever told anyone what they knew!
Dirty dealings by our govt again!
Put options on companies that were affected by the collapses such as the airlines, companies in the buildings, etc just prior to 9/11.
There was an investigation started into who benefitted but, the SEC asked witnesses to come forward, immediately deputized them as "independent agents" then promptly closed their investigation knowing that all those newly deputized "agents" would be jailed for releasing info on a fed case if they ever told anyone what they knew!
Dirty dealings by our govt again!
1
Senator Graham is one of the reasons I feel connected with the American people. His stubbornness in the face of so much deceiving by the authorities is praiseworthy.
9
I was wondering how long it would be before someone mentioned those Saudis who were allowed to fly out when all other air traffic was grounded! Don't remember the details, but think it might have been a hundred or more.
6
Finally can say it now to the senator: get a life, please.
1
If the Saudi government (not rich individuals) had something to do with 9/11, then the US government also had something to do with it. Can someone give me a reason why would the Saudis do it ? They depend on the US for everything. It's not about religion because they are barely muslims in reality. Also, if they didn't want to be implicated, why use Saudi citizens for the attack. This just screams conspiracy, US, Israel and the Saudis were all probably involved.
3
Thank heaven for Bob Graham, this is bucking up against the biggest of all systems.
There never was a criminal investigation of 9/11. It was quickly asserted that Bin Laden did it, the hijackers were named very quickly, even finding one's identification in that rubble right away. But the site was dismantled and not investigated like a criminal site should be. Much evidence has been lost to history.
Since JFK's assassination there's always in a crisis been a need to quickly find a perp, sew it up "So the nation can move on". The gov't doesn't feel the nation can handle the truth, the truth of what they're really up to that is.
For 9-11, W made vengeance popular by promising war against terror. That's created more extreme terrorists than the originals with ISIS, Shabab, Boku Haram. Plus our home-grown terrorists.
If we can get some truth exposed about 9-11, and face it without partisan posturing, we'll make a small step toward righting many years of wrong actions. It's beyond time, and we all must clamor for this to not be brushed aside by the FBI, CIA or others too big to have to answer to us.
I pray Bob Graham can open this to light.
There never was a criminal investigation of 9/11. It was quickly asserted that Bin Laden did it, the hijackers were named very quickly, even finding one's identification in that rubble right away. But the site was dismantled and not investigated like a criminal site should be. Much evidence has been lost to history.
Since JFK's assassination there's always in a crisis been a need to quickly find a perp, sew it up "So the nation can move on". The gov't doesn't feel the nation can handle the truth, the truth of what they're really up to that is.
For 9-11, W made vengeance popular by promising war against terror. That's created more extreme terrorists than the originals with ISIS, Shabab, Boku Haram. Plus our home-grown terrorists.
If we can get some truth exposed about 9-11, and face it without partisan posturing, we'll make a small step toward righting many years of wrong actions. It's beyond time, and we all must clamor for this to not be brushed aside by the FBI, CIA or others too big to have to answer to us.
I pray Bob Graham can open this to light.
22
Bin Laden DID do it, but that doesn't mean the Saudis DIDN'T!
It's long past time for closer scrutiny of Saudi royal support not only for Al Qaeda but for ISIS as well!
The Bush family was so tight w the Saudis on 9-11 that they called the Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar "Bandar Bush". That's a fact. For more eye-opening details, read the long Vanity Fair piece written in 2003 by Craig Unger SAVING THE SAUDIS:
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2003/10/saving-the-saudis-200310
It's long past time for closer scrutiny of Saudi royal support not only for Al Qaeda but for ISIS as well!
The Bush family was so tight w the Saudis on 9-11 that they called the Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar "Bandar Bush". That's a fact. For more eye-opening details, read the long Vanity Fair piece written in 2003 by Craig Unger SAVING THE SAUDIS:
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2003/10/saving-the-saudis-200310
7
Kind of like the "investigation" of Charlie Hebdo. Dropped identity card, suspects dead, 4 days later al-Qaeda claims responsibility.
The whole thing screams "action provocatrice." Which, if anyone remembers the OAS, was invented by French rightists.
The whole thing screams "action provocatrice." Which, if anyone remembers the OAS, was invented by French rightists.
2
The FBI type who told ex-Senator Bob Graham "to get a life" should get a new life of his own, in retirement;, it was dumb to think he could bully the smart and experienced Graham into going away quietly. Wrong old guy for that.
The dirty comment that Graham dug into this matter because he "had been out of the game too long" and was trying to "stay relevant as he lectures and writes books" came from a dark place in American politics. What game? Game of Thrones? These remarks, which make light of the events of 9/11, give the impression something is hidden.. Else why slime a Senator everyone knows is a straight arrow, with guts and brains to vote against the Iraq war because he knew the intelligence was shaky, to put it charitably.
Whatever happened, Americans can handle it. I can understand, for example, the Bush administration looking the other way at a few Saudis in the U.S. with ties of some sort (perhaps innocent) with hijackers because of a need for Saudi cooperation after 9/11 and fear of jeopardizing access to oil. But that moment is over, as is heavy dependence on Saudi oil. Time for Americans to judge for themselves, particularly in light of calls for more and more war in the Middle East, mostly from the same people who dragged us into the Iraq invasion.
Disclosure: Have known Graham slightly for some years and have spoken at his Center at the University of Florida.
The dirty comment that Graham dug into this matter because he "had been out of the game too long" and was trying to "stay relevant as he lectures and writes books" came from a dark place in American politics. What game? Game of Thrones? These remarks, which make light of the events of 9/11, give the impression something is hidden.. Else why slime a Senator everyone knows is a straight arrow, with guts and brains to vote against the Iraq war because he knew the intelligence was shaky, to put it charitably.
Whatever happened, Americans can handle it. I can understand, for example, the Bush administration looking the other way at a few Saudis in the U.S. with ties of some sort (perhaps innocent) with hijackers because of a need for Saudi cooperation after 9/11 and fear of jeopardizing access to oil. But that moment is over, as is heavy dependence on Saudi oil. Time for Americans to judge for themselves, particularly in light of calls for more and more war in the Middle East, mostly from the same people who dragged us into the Iraq invasion.
Disclosure: Have known Graham slightly for some years and have spoken at his Center at the University of Florida.
44
The Bush Family's part in this went far beyond "looking the other way a few Saudis in the US". Read this: http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2003/10/saving-the-saudis-200310
8
Seems like front page news to me yet here it is buried in the Middle East section. It seems Senator Graham has not only the U.S. government to contend with but also an uninterested mainstream media (Florida Ex-Senator? - his popularity level warrants a better intro than that). I hope he and his children carry this on until everyone involved in that day and the subsequent cover-ups has been identified, tried and punished.
20
SA is the true axis of evil. To this day they are supporting all the terrorist activities all over the world. Including Isis. They have the worse human abuse record in the world. They want to spread worse form of Islam ideology. It is shameful that us and all the other western countries consider SA an ally. Everyone is looking the other way when it comes the SA. Here in this country our politicians disgracefully rely on them as an ally even though they did bring the world trade towers down. Go figure? I guess I will never understand politics.
11
Until oil money, the al-Sauds were tent-dwelling slave traders. And their "Islamist" surrogates were grubby bandits, hanging out in the hinterlands and stealing livestock. Now they have AK-47's and armored vehicles, thanks to these puppet-masters.
The Sauds were hand-picked by the Western powers to keep the pipelines flowing, in return for which they got a lavish lifestyle and the privilege of naming their "country" after their own family.
Their meddling has propped up one repressive regime after another, depressing Mideast economies and development, fuelling insurgency.
They're in New York or London, swigging Johnny Walker Black, while they maintain "stability" at home by support for the most puritanical of "the two and seventy jarring sects" of Islam, the Wahhabi.
The US would do much better to make an ally of Iran, which has had a national identity, commerce, education and a political class since before the Common Era. Saudi Arabia is happy to collude with Israel, as a counterweight to Iran, in derogation of Palestinian rights.
And the West's insatiable thirst for oil makes it all possible. Notice how they keep the price low, even at a loss to their own coffers, to keep us driving around and dependent in our gas-guzzlers.
Good luck, Senator Graham: you're up against more than we have any idea.
The Sauds were hand-picked by the Western powers to keep the pipelines flowing, in return for which they got a lavish lifestyle and the privilege of naming their "country" after their own family.
Their meddling has propped up one repressive regime after another, depressing Mideast economies and development, fuelling insurgency.
They're in New York or London, swigging Johnny Walker Black, while they maintain "stability" at home by support for the most puritanical of "the two and seventy jarring sects" of Islam, the Wahhabi.
The US would do much better to make an ally of Iran, which has had a national identity, commerce, education and a political class since before the Common Era. Saudi Arabia is happy to collude with Israel, as a counterweight to Iran, in derogation of Palestinian rights.
And the West's insatiable thirst for oil makes it all possible. Notice how they keep the price low, even at a loss to their own coffers, to keep us driving around and dependent in our gas-guzzlers.
Good luck, Senator Graham: you're up against more than we have any idea.
3
Mr. Graham, let me toss you this tantalizing tidbit. I know a guy who used to fly with a dozen other guys from Huntsville to DC to meet with an Air Force colonel at the Pentagon on a regular basis. A few days before September 11, 2001, that Air Force colonel moved the scheduled September 11 meeting to Huntsville. It is the only meeting that ever got moved to Huntsville, and, yes, the meetings continued periodically after 2001. So let me ask you, why? Why that one day did that colonel move the meeting? I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but that question will nag at me the rest of my life. Mr. Graham, it's worth investigating too.
13
With all due respect to our FBI, this case is relevant and valid, thanks to former Senator Bob Graham. The victims of 9/11 have a right to compensation. We have a right to know. It has also been established that the FBI ignored warnings by their own agents. Having been to Ground Zero, there was never any question in my mind that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 could have been prevented had the FBI done its job.
16
Totally agree with comments about links between the Bush family and Saudi royals. But it is totally disingenuous not to mention that the Clinton Foundation received $10 millions from the Saudi, while they said notghing about the abuses. Hilary, as SoS, was silent even though she knew that Saudi and other Gulf states were supporting terrorists (according to reporting by the Guardian in 2010). Obama just went to Saudi and said nothing about the lashing of Raif Badawi, and about mistreatment of other dissidents, not to mention record high beheadings this year alone for things like pot possession, "sorcery" etc..
It is the current administration will not release the 28 pages of the 911 commission regarding Saudi. Too much petrodollar money laundering going to fund "citizen united" campaigns on both sides.
It is the current administration will not release the 28 pages of the 911 commission regarding Saudi. Too much petrodollar money laundering going to fund "citizen united" campaigns on both sides.
11
A friend, now retired, who worked at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, mentioned to me several years ago that shortly before 9/11, the Saudis who came for medical treatment (people come from all over the world) suddenly just "weren't there." Odd, isn't it?
12
No wonder Saudis and Israelis - two US strongest military alliances until now - feel insecure about their future. A changing Middle East landscape dominated by sunni jihadist groups and probably Iran if the nuclear deal with Washington is approved.
4
One is hard pressed to remember an instance when the US govt insisting on top secret, no one will ever get to see this secuirity clearance, didnt either shroud incredibly stupid or incredibly illegal -immoral actions by our government or its friends. The Saudis have dirty hands of giving money to anyone who might extend their grip on the oil under the sand. Why is the US holding on so tightly to the 20 or 30 pages of info? Because whatever is in it cannot stand the light of day. And everyone knows it.
12
Iran and Russia, what strange bedfellows. Putin is selling the Ayatollah a sophisticated air defense system so that it can protect itself in the violent Middle East. And all the while, Iran is the protagonist behind virtually any terrorist activity that is going on there.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
Missiles deal between Russia and Iran is in all probability tied to recent pending "nuclear" deal with US, Russia, China, et al.
Seems to me Saudi Arabia hands and bloodier, ex: Iraq and Syria, just to name a few.
Seems to me Saudi Arabia hands and bloodier, ex: Iraq and Syria, just to name a few.
5
We no longer live in a free and open society. Our government intelligence agencies have seen to that. Pity.
5
More power to you Senator Graham - more power to you! Please never, ever give up. It is not, " will be a smoking gun " but a smoking gun. That's right how could 19 hijackers carry out such a sophisticated, fail-proof plan without great funding and technical precision capabilities. ISISI, Alqaeda, isurgents all over the Middle East and now on our, European and all over the world we have fanatics with the extreme form of Islamism ( Wahabism ) each and everyoe of them sprouted from Saudi Arabia - no exceptions. Osama Bin Laden, the big O of the inception of Al Qaeda awas a Saudi to boot. He was a small fry worth only a billion or two but what is happening has a tab in the trillions. Which country has that kind of money as chump change? You guessed right. Saudi Arabia. And theyare indoctrinating the next generation through their well-funded 'mardrassas'. These are facts on the ground. Why are we looking at the needle in the haystack? There is no needle. Just a huge arrow pointing in one and one direction only. What has Saudi Arabia on us that we are contorting ourselves hating what we know and see. and calling them one of our " GREATEST ALLIES".
And we are punishing Iran which seems like a saint ( not really! )!!
And we are punishing Iran which seems like a saint ( not really! )!!
14
Guess which American "patriot" has been (so-far) successfully defending the Saudi Kingdom from all these pernicious lawsuits from 9/11 families and survivors? None other than Houston lawyer James Baker III of Baker Botts: Reagan chief-of-staff, Bush 41 Secretary of State, trusted Bush family consigliere and the chief architect of the Florida Surprise. PS Jeb Bush has already hired him to run his as-yet-unannounced campaign.
18
I'm both heartened and discouraged by this. Mr. Graham is a patriot and I wish him godspeed as he tries to uncover and publish the truth. However, what's so discouraging is that the facts about 9/11, the Saudis and the Bush family, Chenney, Perle, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitcz, Bremmer, Abrams, Chalabi, the Iraq war, et all, have been widely known for many years and nothing has ever happened.
To take but one sordid example: Elliot Abrams, Reagan's "Enforcer" in Central America, has been walking around as a free man since the 1980s. His complicity with our client dictatorships in their genocides and crimes against humanity are legion and well documented. Yet, he and his ilk collect nice paychecks from right-wing "think-tanks," while some poor sap who robs a convenience store gets 10 years hard time.
To take but one sordid example: Elliot Abrams, Reagan's "Enforcer" in Central America, has been walking around as a free man since the 1980s. His complicity with our client dictatorships in their genocides and crimes against humanity are legion and well documented. Yet, he and his ilk collect nice paychecks from right-wing "think-tanks," while some poor sap who robs a convenience store gets 10 years hard time.
16
Forbidden Truth: U.S.-Taliban Secret Oil Diplomacy, Saudi ...This book details the complex banking scheme that funded Osama bin Laden.
What is really "secret" is that George W. Bush was also involved. Bush should be in prison - or at the gallows.j
What is really "secret" is that George W. Bush was also involved. Bush should be in prison - or at the gallows.j
7
It may be that nothing wil come of this - as some note. It may be there is no there, there. Yet it persists. So let there be a conclusive public reckoning. Whatever the outcome if it is truly dispositive one and for all, yea or nay, Senator Graham may fail at retirement in service of a larger good.
7
All of this information was covered- years ago - by New Yorker magazine in a massive and thoroughly researched article. No one said a word about it back then, as if it was a fantasy. This is article is in fact old news that is deliberately being ignored by the US government in order to keep saudi oil flowing to U.S. companies and citizens. What will it take to wake people up to the terrorist threat the saudis still pose to this very day?
12
We can handle the truth.
13
Before we invaded and occupied Iraq Saudi Arabia had trouble paying its bills as the price of oil was very low. This was due to Saddam Hussein undercutting the spot price because his oil was sanctioned and he had to sell it cheap. They and their boy Cheney had to have 911 or we wouldn't have been mad enough to invade Iraq and believe Cheney's lies. Keeping bin Laden alive to keep the War on Terror going was probably part of the deal. http://www.energytrendsinsider.com/2012/03/14/charting-the-dramatic-gas-...
9
Saudi involvement is not even a question, only a matter of degree and kind. So what's the real reason that we--or the general public--is (sort of) being kept in the dark? Sadly, looming behind Saudi complicity is our own: we helped make Al Qaeda what it became, including by giving them millions of dollars' worth of arms. The trail leads back to the White House, and to Congress, as well.
Anyone who still thinks that Obama is our savior might want to ask why there has been no push from him to place the truth before the public. In matters of foreign policy, very very little has changed.
Anyone who still thinks that Obama is our savior might want to ask why there has been no push from him to place the truth before the public. In matters of foreign policy, very very little has changed.
5
"Look forward, not backward" goes for the elite of many nations.
1
You have to ask yourself what's in this for Bob Graham?
3
Senator Graham is a true American hero.
12
I got bad news for you all. Saudi blame game is on. They had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. All NYtime readers should read VT's articles on the issue. Fat chance that Saudis placed massive explosives on all three towers
What Graham is trying is a diversion---from exposing what really types of Nuke explosives were used on WTC 1 and 2. Wake up America.
What Graham is trying is a diversion---from exposing what really types of Nuke explosives were used on WTC 1 and 2. Wake up America.
1
It would have been far better if Graham would also add, that bin Laden the enemy number who headed al Qaeda was Reagan's favorite freedom fighter, was also the Reagan creation. It was the Reagan and his cohorts who employed, and aided, abetted bin Laden and the Mujahadeen for that other US proxy war in Afghanistan. Paid some over $10 plus billion in cash, all US taxpayers money plus convoy loads of military hardware of all kind. Plus Reagan and his cohorts , most likely Bush One, the prior CIA chief, then reneged all promises made to bin Laden, who was indeed a Saudi Prince member of the same Saudi Royal family. After Reagan and his entourage reneged the promises, bin Laden the earlier alley became enemy # ONE.
10
Bob Graham equates truth with what really happened. But, in the aftermath of the 911 catastrophe, because so many people had so much to gain or lose from the event, that meant powerful interests drove the creation of an "official version" of the event consistent with those interests. Until those interests are diminished, it will be difficult to replace the "official version" with what really happened.
3
The reason this is being covered up is that a thorough investigation will reveal government officials were aware that this was being planned in the 90's, during the Clinton administration. Political insiders in both the Clinton and Bush administrations have a lot to lose, if this knowledge ever got out. Chief among them, Hillary Clinton, who has been hoovering up Saudi money, for her "foundation"...
7
Thank you, Mr. Graham ! It is way beyond time that somebody shed some light on what truly happened to Create 911.
The Saudi's connections go directly, and all the way, to the "leaders" seated in the White House at that time.
Dig deep, and go get 'em, Mr. Graham !
The Saudi's connections go directly, and all the way, to the "leaders" seated in the White House at that time.
Dig deep, and go get 'em, Mr. Graham !
7
Should the Saudis be investigated? Well, that depends on whether we believe the official view, that 9/11 was committed by Osama Bin Laden, a Saudi, and 18 other hijackers, most of whom were also Saudis, and some of whom, including Mohammed Atta, lived in Venice, Florida, not too far from Sarasota. Under those circumstances, investigating potential Saudi connections in Florida seems quite reasonable, though it's been mainly left to alternative journalists such as Daniel Hopsicker of the oddly named MadCowNews. On the other hand, if we believe the conspiracy theorists who say that the three buildings that came down - WTC I and II, plus Building 7 - were controlled demolitions, and that the finger should either be pointed at Israel, or the U.S. government, or both, then obviously Graham is wasting his time. But we can't have it both ways.
1
i beg the NYTimes to pursue this story as far as possible. The connections between the Al Saud family and the Bush family are strong...and not particularly honourable. Americans deserve the truth---we are not China (yet).
2
Saudi involvement with 9/11 is highly unlikely. They
kicked Osama Bin Laden out in 1990s and went after Al-
Qaeda after the bombing of Al Khobar Tower complex
which killed many including Americans. Why would
they support Al Qaeda while also fighting them? It
seems illogical. Individual Saudis migh have supported
but it is not the same as Saudi Government. The conspiracy
theories about 9/11 will linger on just like JFK assassination.
Some people get thrill chasing the conspiracies. As a novelist
Bob Graham is probably getting some thrill in his late life.
kicked Osama Bin Laden out in 1990s and went after Al-
Qaeda after the bombing of Al Khobar Tower complex
which killed many including Americans. Why would
they support Al Qaeda while also fighting them? It
seems illogical. Individual Saudis migh have supported
but it is not the same as Saudi Government. The conspiracy
theories about 9/11 will linger on just like JFK assassination.
Some people get thrill chasing the conspiracies. As a novelist
Bob Graham is probably getting some thrill in his late life.
Thank you New York Times, and Bob Graham for continuing to cover this story.
We know the Saudis:
1) Fund madrases where boys are taught only the Koran and to hate America (thus creating a continuing pool of potential terrorists fighters).
2) Had freedoms within the U.S. that Americans did not: While Americans were not allowed to fly for days after 9/11, Saudi families flew out of the U.S. with no questions asked.
3) Train highly conservative clerics and disseminate them throughout the world, from the U.K. to the U.S. to Pakistan, where they teach hatred of Americans and domination of women (we all know women can't even drive in Saudi Arabia).
But, unfortunately, American politicians are in the pocket of Big-Oil; and big oil companies need to play nice with the Saudi Arabian dictatorship/oil-mafia family.
Go Bob Graham!
We know the Saudis:
1) Fund madrases where boys are taught only the Koran and to hate America (thus creating a continuing pool of potential terrorists fighters).
2) Had freedoms within the U.S. that Americans did not: While Americans were not allowed to fly for days after 9/11, Saudi families flew out of the U.S. with no questions asked.
3) Train highly conservative clerics and disseminate them throughout the world, from the U.K. to the U.S. to Pakistan, where they teach hatred of Americans and domination of women (we all know women can't even drive in Saudi Arabia).
But, unfortunately, American politicians are in the pocket of Big-Oil; and big oil companies need to play nice with the Saudi Arabian dictatorship/oil-mafia family.
Go Bob Graham!
5
Senator Graham is the kind of public servant desperately needed in our country today. His search for the facts and desire for transparency of the attack from 9/11 is a tremendous public service.
Americans often forget history, suffering from amnesia after about five years. But Senator Graham, to his credit and the gratitude of the American public, makes be proud to be a former constituent of his in Florida.
Americans often forget history, suffering from amnesia after about five years. But Senator Graham, to his credit and the gratitude of the American public, makes be proud to be a former constituent of his in Florida.
6
When push comes to shove, money speaks louder than patriotism.
The Bush family has much more in common with the Saudi Royal family than with middle class American families, including access to more money than most Americans could earn if they worked full-time for hundreds of years.
Now we are seriously considering electing yet another member of that family to occupy our country's highest office. If defies logic, but money speaks louder than logic, too.
The Bush family has much more in common with the Saudi Royal family than with middle class American families, including access to more money than most Americans could earn if they worked full-time for hundreds of years.
Now we are seriously considering electing yet another member of that family to occupy our country's highest office. If defies logic, but money speaks louder than logic, too.
3
It's not the FBI withholding information, it is the Bush Administration and Republican Party. I've always thought that the 9/11 Commission was a "white wash".
2
I certainly want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This is not the first time we've seen articles bringing forth the idea that others were complicit. If these people who claim there is nothing to investigate don't want to help find the facts, then allow the facts to be brought to Mr. Graham. Bring about real closure for this 9/11 case, based upon all the facts, not just a few convenient ones.
2
Now let's see.
According to the right wing playbook, the Saudis who bankrolled the 9/11 are our frinnds deserving our full consideration of their objection to peacemaking with Iran. Iran, which had nothing whatever to do with 9/11 warrants our perpetuated enmity; no compromise, no discussion, no negotiation beyond its total humiliation.
Better still, by the reckoning of such diplomatic heavyweights as John Bolton and Louie Gohmert, let's bomb Iran right now. Why? Because the Ayatollah annoys us and, what the hey? We can. No fuss; no bother. Iraq taught us that.
Is it just me or is something failing to add-up here?
According to the right wing playbook, the Saudis who bankrolled the 9/11 are our frinnds deserving our full consideration of their objection to peacemaking with Iran. Iran, which had nothing whatever to do with 9/11 warrants our perpetuated enmity; no compromise, no discussion, no negotiation beyond its total humiliation.
Better still, by the reckoning of such diplomatic heavyweights as John Bolton and Louie Gohmert, let's bomb Iran right now. Why? Because the Ayatollah annoys us and, what the hey? We can. No fuss; no bother. Iraq taught us that.
Is it just me or is something failing to add-up here?
14
Nothing will come to this. The congress, both parties and the banking elites in this country are firmly controlled by he-who-shalt-not-be-named and Saudi Arabia is he-who-shalt-not-be-named's greatest ally in the Middle East for their shared hatred and fear of Iran.
7
It is alleged that Saudi Intelligence office and Bush family friend, Prince Bandar bin Sultan is associated with al Qaeda in those 28 pages. The same Bandar who was smoking cigars with GW in the White House on Sept. 13, 2001.
This is the problem with our media. Had Clinton been smoking cigars with even a suspected al Qaeda operative 2 days after 9/11, Fox News would be freaking out and all the other media outlets would be following suit. With GW, there has been 14 years of silence.
This is the problem with our media. Had Clinton been smoking cigars with even a suspected al Qaeda operative 2 days after 9/11, Fox News would be freaking out and all the other media outlets would be following suit. With GW, there has been 14 years of silence.
63
Agreed! But forget Clinton, Imagine if Obama smoked a cigar with any Arab, or with Castro?
1
The science around the collapse of building 7 is enough to implicate something more than just terrorists with box-knives.
It takes courage to go after this because people start labeling investigators as quacks and lefty conspiracy theorists. Bob Graham is a true leader.
It takes courage to go after this because people start labeling investigators as quacks and lefty conspiracy theorists. Bob Graham is a true leader.
31
Bob Graham is following established leads. People who go on about building 7 are following vapor.
America's obsession with 9/11 is unseemly in a world where other other nations live - and have lived - in the midst of terror and war - for years, decades, and generations. And after 9/11 the great United States of America invaded two other countries and directly, or indirectly, cause the deaths of more than 100,000 civilians. Were people with ties to Saudi Arabia involved with 9/11? Maybe. Does it matter? No, not in the least. Move on, America, move on.
3
You are wrong. Any crime must be investigated to any and all conclusions. The fact we are guilty of many things does not exculpate those responsible for 9.11.
3
Does it matter that we broke a country (Iraq) into pieces?
Since a partial justification for this war of choice was to inflict justice, wouldn't you want to know who are the criminals?
The Saudis probably don't want to know.
The Bush team clearly don't want us to know.
Surely, the families of those 100,000 Iraqis and 3,000 + US marines sacrificed haven't moved on. And they shouldn't give up. The bottom line is that the September 11 attack was a mass murder, and a potentially solvable crime.
Godspeed to former Senator Graham.
Since a partial justification for this war of choice was to inflict justice, wouldn't you want to know who are the criminals?
The Saudis probably don't want to know.
The Bush team clearly don't want us to know.
Surely, the families of those 100,000 Iraqis and 3,000 + US marines sacrificed haven't moved on. And they shouldn't give up. The bottom line is that the September 11 attack was a mass murder, and a potentially solvable crime.
Godspeed to former Senator Graham.
2
Invade, occupy places (over 500 foreign military bases plus the odious DEA and other agencies skulking about) where one is not wanted, expect counter-measures. IOBL's remarks on Al -Q military endeavors was hardly the rant of a lunatic but a list of legitimate (from his perspective) grievances and a rationale for targeting civilians.
The attack on 9/11 was foreseeable if not known in advance. There are no clvilians in modern total war. It is doubtful the US war party and Israel were unhappy about the pretext for war against islamic countries. 9/11 was a spectacular tactical victory but a strategic disaster for the Islamic countries.
The attack on 9/11 was foreseeable if not known in advance. There are no clvilians in modern total war. It is doubtful the US war party and Israel were unhappy about the pretext for war against islamic countries. 9/11 was a spectacular tactical victory but a strategic disaster for the Islamic countries.
The Saudis were involved in 9/11 and they're our allies. There was no Al Qaeda in Iraq (when invaded) & Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, and we start a trillion dollar, endless blood-bath war with them. It's an old story - the "evil enemy" are the ones who don't serve the economic interests of our rich, and the "good allies" are the ones who do.
36
This is not as far fetched as it sounds. The US is now fighting Saudi Arabia in Iraq. They are funding/supporting ISIS, while we work with Iran to defeat them.
19
We can't handle the truth ! Not one of the powerful parties will allow the facts to come out. What these facts would prove , in my opinion , is that the Saudi oligarchy was an unwitting dupe in financing said criminals. But , you know what , we need the oil. We will avert our eyes as we have before in trading lives, even our own, for oil. Question is : how do we end this global dependence on repulsive tribal domination of the world oil market. I wanna hold your hand didn't work .
3
"We" don't need Saudi oil--particular contributors to both US political parties, those with concessions there, "need" this oil. In addition to freeing ourselves of oil in general, there is sufficient oil in this hemisphere--it just doesn't belong to the Saudi oil concessionaires.
2
America can live with the knowledge that, if it is the case, there was high level Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks. What America cannot live with, if it is the case, is an American cover-up of such involvement, let alone direct or post-facto complicity in protecting those involved one way or another in the attacks or preparation for them.
The loose ends regarding the Kennedy assassination have haunted America for a half century, even when one pares away the more patently improbable conspiracy theories. The 9/11 attacks will have the same corrosive effect on our country unless all information is made public, all leads followed, all involved held accountable.
America is an ongoing experiment that is bigger than its ruling elites. Let us not confuse the reputation of those elites with the reputation of America.
The loose ends regarding the Kennedy assassination have haunted America for a half century, even when one pares away the more patently improbable conspiracy theories. The 9/11 attacks will have the same corrosive effect on our country unless all information is made public, all leads followed, all involved held accountable.
America is an ongoing experiment that is bigger than its ruling elites. Let us not confuse the reputation of those elites with the reputation of America.
18
Uncovering the truth about what happened on 9/11 will be an iceberg of epic proportions, I believe. The Saudi's are probably only a portion of the story. There are lots of loose ends that are not answered which has given movie makers and authors plenty of material with which to question the official explanations. We do need the truth. It is time.
21
Yes! This is a BIG story. Please, NYT, give this story the research and coverage it deserves AND report to we Americans that deserve truth, perspective, and closure.
17
"We do need the truth. It is time."
The truth is that the FBI did it in connection with the Saudi's because they were chasing a Russian spy who was after Jack Bauer.
The truth is that the FBI did it in connection with the Saudi's because they were chasing a Russian spy who was after Jack Bauer.
2
The "Elephant in the room!" If there was not oil in the Middle East, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, we would not have cared and they would not have invaded. Osama Bin Laden's main complaint about the US is we invaded and permanently stationed troops in Saudi Arabia. And his concern is he wanted to control it to. It's our energy addiction STUPID!
(R Buckminster Fuller said "All wars are based on the false belief there is not enough to go around". He went on to say "If we would continue to learn how to do more and more with less and less and turn to renewable energy, everyone in the world could have a standard of living which is yet beyond what we imagine possible.
And Clark Clifford said, "The single surest threat to the US and our allies is the lack of secured sources of energy".
(R Buckminster Fuller said "All wars are based on the false belief there is not enough to go around". He went on to say "If we would continue to learn how to do more and more with less and less and turn to renewable energy, everyone in the world could have a standard of living which is yet beyond what we imagine possible.
And Clark Clifford said, "The single surest threat to the US and our allies is the lack of secured sources of energy".
5
Bob Graham is a known quantity. A good senator and sincere actor on America's stage. Neither could be said of the FBI, which, although overall is much better now than before, was born into despotism. In so many cases, when the pressure is on, the US Government's stories on tragedies like this get simple, and digestible, like they are assembled by the PR wing of the agency.
14
Trust them comrade, they know whats best. Go to bed now and dream sweets dreams of what you will do with your "freedom".
3
Everyone who has studied these attacks and those jihadists in depth knows these attacks were organized by Saudi Arabia and King Salman was the financier of these jihadist past and present. The question therefore is what de exact role was of the then US government.
17
It is way past time for Americans to know how involved the Saudis were in 9/11 and and still are involved in terrorism generally. There massive funding of terrist groups is an important reason why these gorups exist. It has been far too long that our leaders have treated these brutal Cruel theocrats like firends. Ridiculous. Substantially all if not all of the men on the 9/11 planes were Saudis, Osama Ben Laden was and his family are Saudis. The Ben Laden family were very close to the Bushes so they were treated like royalty and escorted out of the country, no questions asked. What a travesty. A bank robbers family would have been subject to more questioning!
Go BOB. Americans have a right to know and to hold each and everyone accountable who has hid this from us.
Go BOB. Americans have a right to know and to hold each and everyone accountable who has hid this from us.
44
Thank you Senator Graham for persisting in doing the right thing. The families of those who died because of 9/11 and the American public deserve the truth.
35
I think the various government operatives who allowed 9/11 occur, when they should have protected us, want the truth to stay buried. Their negligence, arrogance, incompetence, and lack of moral integrity won't ever be known, at this rate. 9/11, like Iran-Contra and the JFK assassination, are purposely kept classified by National Security Agencies, allowing people at the top to commit crimes and never be held accountable. They know that over time, memories become blurry, emotions are replaced with new ones, people die evidence is lost or misplaced, and public interest wanes. Senator Graham knows that keeping 9/11 under wraps is wrong. Mr. Graham needs every cognizant American and anyone affected by the attack on our country to join him in demanding the truth about 9/11. We owe the victims, their friends and families, and ourselves accurate historical records, clarity and justice. The best prevention would be to give the world the whole story of what happened leading up to, during, and after the 9/11 attacks. We can handle it. 9/11 in America should never happen again.
26
Can't decide between blaming the US law enforcement/intelligence industrial complex for failing to stop 911, or covering-up its money supply spending taxpayer dollars in the aftermath. Or are they the same thing?
I relayed personal knowledge of an ongoing violation of US immigration law to ICE on their website a few years ago and they did nothing. Put the ball in their hands and pointed them to the net and they couldn't make the easy 2.
So I definitely believe Mr. Graham's story here.
I relayed personal knowledge of an ongoing violation of US immigration law to ICE on their website a few years ago and they did nothing. Put the ball in their hands and pointed them to the net and they couldn't make the easy 2.
So I definitely believe Mr. Graham's story here.
9
I recall wondering why the US media felt it was pertinent to report that the head of Saudi Arabia's intelligence service had quit abruptly. That was just after Labor Day, 2001. Soon enough, I learned a possible reason. But knowing about a plot and disrupting a plot are two different things.
5
Considering 17 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi, it shouldn't really come as a surprise if this is proven true. Saudi Arabia was the one thing NOT mentioned in the press for months (& years) after September 11th. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, it felt like some kind of media blackout. Fourteen years later, and the tip of the iceberg may finally be showing.
43
In plain sight but too big to see. 9/11 was a crime so huge it may never be solved.
15
This is very simple: innocent Americans were killed in an attack. Our government should not be covering up anything about the murderers and their cohorts. Graham is a hero.
30
I hate to break it to you Joe but "Our Government" has not been ours since January 20th 1980.
22
Senator Graham is a true patriot and I wish him success in his investigation. If, however he gets too close tying Saudi Arabia to 9/11 he will enter a netherworld of government duplicity, character assassination, negative propaganda and much, much more. It wouldn't be the first time.
There are seriously entrenched "special interests" with good reason to keep the connections away from the public eye. While it might sound like a conspiracy theorist rant, too many people have lots to lose. As the balance of power shifts (Saudi oil is less important to America at this juncture) the potential of information leaking increases exponentially. Watch your back, Senator.
There are seriously entrenched "special interests" with good reason to keep the connections away from the public eye. While it might sound like a conspiracy theorist rant, too many people have lots to lose. As the balance of power shifts (Saudi oil is less important to America at this juncture) the potential of information leaking increases exponentially. Watch your back, Senator.
19
An odd event after the 3 buildings fell … an FBI special agent was investigating a stretch of one block piled with debris, when he found a paper document on top of the debris, intact … Mohammed Atta's Egyptian passport. Fortuitous, and beyond amazing, in so far as the fires caused by the flames on those top floors were supposed to have been hot enough to burn through asbestos coverings & melt steel girders, starting the collapse. Yet this paper doc not only survived, but landed on top, not under a pile of debris. So many unanswered Qs that Bob Graham has to pursue for explanations.
13
false comparative & false logic.
It is not the conundrum you portray it to be.
the insulation that is supposed to protect the columns is a spray on with adhesives in it but it is soft and you could easily pull it off with no effort by hand. The plane hitting that hard simply blew it off as did the explosions. There was no insulation on the columns when the fire started.
It is not the conundrum you portray it to be.
the insulation that is supposed to protect the columns is a spray on with adhesives in it but it is soft and you could easily pull it off with no effort by hand. The plane hitting that hard simply blew it off as did the explosions. There was no insulation on the columns when the fire started.
1
1. The passport recovered was for Sutam al Sukani.
2. It was recovered by a passerby not the FBI and given to NYPD.
3. It was evidence at the Moussaoui trial
4. Much other paper from the plane - luggage tags for instance survived.
5. By definition to be found it needed to be on top, your statement is illogical in the extreme.
Frankly, you did no research just spewed forth some nonsense you found on a conspiracy website figuring the NYTimes wouldn't check whe you wrote.
Rgrds-Ross
2. It was recovered by a passerby not the FBI and given to NYPD.
3. It was evidence at the Moussaoui trial
4. Much other paper from the plane - luggage tags for instance survived.
5. By definition to be found it needed to be on top, your statement is illogical in the extreme.
Frankly, you did no research just spewed forth some nonsense you found on a conspiracy website figuring the NYTimes wouldn't check whe you wrote.
Rgrds-Ross
1
Thank you, Senator Graham. I continue to believe that Saudi Arabia is not our ally. Al Qaeda had morphed into ISIS and who knows what will happen next. That we continue to "aid and abet" the Sunni Wahhabi nation and its coalition of partners in attacking Yemen is distressing. We have to drop this sham.
18
The FBI agent is right--Graham needs to get a life, or else launch an investigation of Area 51, or LBJ's involvement in the Kennedy assassination or fluoride in drinking water, or those bright lights he keeps seeing in the night sky.
What with all these GOP-trumped-up scandals geared to thwart Obama governance the one real scandal still lingers, unnoticed and seemingly forgotten. Just what were Bush/Cheney doing on the Bush ranch when they got intelligence reports that al qaeda was going to attack the US in the summer of 2001? It was a huge intelligence failure. It was on Bush/Cheney´s watch that the biggest domestic attack in US history happened, of which the catastrophic effects are still being felt ... the 30% increase in gov´t ($4 trillion for Homeland Security alone and counting), two unnecessary wars (another $4 trillion and counting), and the huge cost in blood and guts. This is the scandal that warrants investigation.
52
If you are right, they sold us out for oil and war profits. That is treason, and its is punishable by . . . any reason they do not open the case.
1
Are you sure it was an intelligence failure?
1
Wow - thank you Senator Graham for following through! Great story, NYT. Now all we need is one/any Federal Prosecutor, as suggested by Vince Bugliosi (former LA County DA), to present charges against former President GW Bush for the misrepresentations taking us into the War in Iraq. There is enough material in the bipartisan Iraq Study Group for mens rea.
35
I firmly believe the Bush family also knew.....remember the Saud family bailed young George out of bankruptcy, not once but twice.
Why else did all the Saudi family and close associates get to fly away assisted by the Bush administration with closed airspace for the rest of us, unimpeded and unquestioned?
The biggest smoking gun is the family in Florida who obviously had advance word.
The FBI sacrificed one of their own when he apparently came too close to the truth while investigating the attack on a US destroyer. He resigned over being stonewalled in his efforts and resigned. He was hired as the head of security by the new owner of the Twin Towers, perishing on 9/11. Quite another 'coincidence' would you not say.
A documentary on former FBI agent O'Neill can be seen:
"What If....the man who knew"
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/knew/could/
The Investigation into the USS Cole Bombing was led by him.
He found ties to Saudis in the investigation as was noted in this 2000 NYT story
2 Saudis, With Ties to bin Laden, Linked to Cole Attack
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/23/world/23YEME.html
A lot of Saudi threads...for a blanket that seems to have been used to cover 'something" up.
Why else did all the Saudi family and close associates get to fly away assisted by the Bush administration with closed airspace for the rest of us, unimpeded and unquestioned?
The biggest smoking gun is the family in Florida who obviously had advance word.
The FBI sacrificed one of their own when he apparently came too close to the truth while investigating the attack on a US destroyer. He resigned over being stonewalled in his efforts and resigned. He was hired as the head of security by the new owner of the Twin Towers, perishing on 9/11. Quite another 'coincidence' would you not say.
A documentary on former FBI agent O'Neill can be seen:
"What If....the man who knew"
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/knew/could/
The Investigation into the USS Cole Bombing was led by him.
He found ties to Saudis in the investigation as was noted in this 2000 NYT story
2 Saudis, With Ties to bin Laden, Linked to Cole Attack
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/23/world/23YEME.html
A lot of Saudi threads...for a blanket that seems to have been used to cover 'something" up.
37
From one old guy to another. You're right on-target as far as I'm concerned. For some opaque reason, the American right needs Iran as its enemy-du-jour.
There is too much interlocking financial back-scratching to warrant bunker-busting bombs on Saudi Arabia and, heck, we gotta bomb SOMEBODY! Who better to hate than Iran? (Well, maybe poor people and liberals.)
There is too much interlocking financial back-scratching to warrant bunker-busting bombs on Saudi Arabia and, heck, we gotta bomb SOMEBODY! Who better to hate than Iran? (Well, maybe poor people and liberals.)
1
Saw that docu - good one. Seen Zero? Counter Intelligence?
Consider that in 1915 the greatest peacetime attack on U.S. soil occurred here in Manhattan harbor, when German Government saboteurs blew up Black Tom Island in NY Harbor. Nearly every south facing window in Manhattan with an unobstructed line to the blast shock wave shattered. Because President Wilson was still maneuvering to stay out of the european conflict, which America was profiting from in arms sales, this act of war was hushed up. It was also a factor that the Bureau of Investigation, under a young J.Edgar Hoover, totally screwed up. Initially charges were brought against a railroad owner who was cleared in court of any negligence and proved there was sabotage. In 1937 congressional hearings confirmed this fact. Captain Henry Landau wrote a book titled, The Enemy Within, which proved the German conspiracy and the incompetence if not collusion of the forerunner to the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover. Gosh, why doesn't everyone know this? It's published fact. Recently, there were a whole bunch of books that elaborated upon and backed the finding of the 1937 investigation. Look no further than the FBI seeking to keep its false image of integrity and competence 'untarnished.' - Frankly, they were never very reputable or shiny.
At any rate, Mr. Graham is barking up much the same tree. Just as our nations had deep ties to Germany - The FBI - Bushes and Koch families today have much to hide re. the Saudis. Carlyle Group anyone?
At any rate, Mr. Graham is barking up much the same tree. Just as our nations had deep ties to Germany - The FBI - Bushes and Koch families today have much to hide re. the Saudis. Carlyle Group anyone?
27
I have always thought it absurd to accuse the CIA's Directorate of Plans of involvement in "conspiracy." Sure, they plan stuff in secret, then carry out those plans and later deny any involvement. But that doesn't mean they "conspire." The same can be said of Pakistan's ISI, Israel's Mossad and Saudi Arabia's General Intelligence Directorate. Just good old fashioned "planning," not conspiracy! Let's try to keep our sanity here!
2
For all you Liberal & Conservative know-it-alls that want to attach this to a political party. Get a Clue, the papers that were classified by GB were also maintained by Executive order of the current President BO. This is not a party issue but a fundamental issue with the culture in WDC. If both the Liberal and Conservative movements would realize the politician are the problem and start electing people that are not about power and control this world would be a better place. Do any of you think if the current President could slam GB with this he would't?
4
Unfortunately the people who are not about power and control usually do not run for office.
2
Are you suggesting that it should be kept a secret? Whoever is responsible for giving this bunch a pass should be held accountable.
2
According to news reports, President Obama has been under threat of assassination from day # one. I wonder whether this reality causes the president to choose his battles carefully. Which truths are worth dying for? I think he's putting his life on the line for the Iran nuclear deal.
1
It is clear to me that everything about 9/11 points to Saudi Arabia. It is so clear that it looks like a set-up. But it isn't. Saudi Arabia, like Iran is the greatest direct funding source of terrorism in the world. The difference is being smiled at while being stabbed in the back.
23
Donors for 9/11? Not directly. Payola from The Kingdom to the worst terrorists of their day, in order to focus on "The Distant Enemy"?
Yes. But now they have ISIS on one border, the Houthis on another. I hope these theocrats get what has long been their due.
Yes. But now they have ISIS on one border, the Houthis on another. I hope these theocrats get what has long been their due.
8
It may turn out that the Iranians are more our friends than the Saudis are.
49
Possibly, but what does that say about our "friends?"
1
Good for him! I hope enough time has passed to be able to investigate the Saudi connection, which was most suspiciously avoided in the wake of the attacks. Cherchez la femme, which in this case means the dirty dealings between the Saudi royal family and the Bush clan.
37
I am currently reading 'The Looming Tower' and it appears that the Saudi royal family and the bin Ladens could not have been any closer while the royals frequently channeled money through Osama to fund the Mujahideen against the Soviets.
11
Yes, but we also poured money and support to the Taliban to fund the Muhajadeen against the Soviets. Does that mean we Americans are complicit in the attacks of 9/11?
This is a guy that has much too much time on his hands. I hope we're not paying him for this wild goose chase. Of course we are paying him for the pensions that he's racked up ... He was Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Co-chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee investigating the 9/11 attack. Is there hidden conspiratorial information out there somewhere? Does that mean Graham didn't do his job? C'mon Senator, take up shuffleboard or something to keep the mind occupied and grounded in reality.
He is not ALLOWED to reveal the missing 28 pages that were in a report he had a hand in preparing.
3
Afraid to hear the truth?
3
What harm is there in seeking the truth?
1
Bush family ties with the Saudis are well known. Prince Bandar was known as Bandar Bush. W strolled hand-in -hand with King Faisal. During the aviation shutdown after 9-11 a jet loaded with bin Laden family members was allowed to fly out of this country. For years, there have been whispers of Wasabi charities funding terrorist plots - with the charity funding linked to the Saudi government. It is time, once and for all, to FULLY investigate Saudi governmental complicity in 9-11. Go Bob.
47
I always admired and trusted Bob Graham when he was a senator. I find it hard to say that about many in public life. He is a true public servant.
21
Reading this made me think, do the Americans really want a third Bush in the Oval Offiice?
Anyway, the Saudis were able to kill the BAE corruption investigation in the UK in 2006, so Senator Graham has some truly big boys to deal with.
I really hope that Mr. Graham has better success with this.
Anyway, the Saudis were able to kill the BAE corruption investigation in the UK in 2006, so Senator Graham has some truly big boys to deal with.
I really hope that Mr. Graham has better success with this.
36
I really hope Mr. Graham is being very careful about his personal safety. This is the kind of activity that could get you a poisoned umbrella tip in the butt, on a public street.
3
The connection between Al Qaeda and Saudi Arabia began with the Saudi financed religious schools (Madrassas) in Pakistan.
14
Of course Saudi money was involved. The 19 Saudi men hijacking the planes and murdering all those people didn't have jobs, they were typical Saudi young men spending money that mommy and daddy ... Or mommy' sand daddy's religious mentors ... Sent to them.
Unless, of course, someone saw them holding a bake sale.
Unless, of course, someone saw them holding a bake sale.
15
Which has more untold truths, the real role of the Saudis in 9/11 or Benghazi? I vote for the former.
14
The NYT has teased this "story" for sometime now. If this newspaper knows something, it should write it, and let the readers decide what they think of it based on actual evidence, instead of (a) testimony of a convicted terrorist it would not have otherwise credited or (b) the hankerings of a former Senator who had the power to do otherwise when he had a vote.
I personally consider the Saudi government/911 thing to be a lesser conspiracy theory, only easier to sustain than saying it was GWB who did it, and in this case there are good political and financial reasons to sustain it.
Now, I think the Saudis supported and still support terrorism. Privateer filibustering (the old usage, freebooter) in the name of Allah is as much a local industry there as the freedom and the flag is over here, and these two streams of thought allied, for a long while, to face of against the Soviets in Afghanistan which was where the organizations for the modern 911 style terrorism became established. Haven established that, with American know-how, and Saudi ideology,, it was kind of hard to switch it off when the monster turned. However, that, and putting a finger on the Saudi government for 911 specifically in the way Mossawi testified, which was given some credibility in this paper is a long ways off. What would the Saudi government gain by that? It makes zero sense from that perspective. But if NYT wants to show a smoking gun, evidence is evidence ...
I personally consider the Saudi government/911 thing to be a lesser conspiracy theory, only easier to sustain than saying it was GWB who did it, and in this case there are good political and financial reasons to sustain it.
Now, I think the Saudis supported and still support terrorism. Privateer filibustering (the old usage, freebooter) in the name of Allah is as much a local industry there as the freedom and the flag is over here, and these two streams of thought allied, for a long while, to face of against the Soviets in Afghanistan which was where the organizations for the modern 911 style terrorism became established. Haven established that, with American know-how, and Saudi ideology,, it was kind of hard to switch it off when the monster turned. However, that, and putting a finger on the Saudi government for 911 specifically in the way Mossawi testified, which was given some credibility in this paper is a long ways off. What would the Saudi government gain by that? It makes zero sense from that perspective. But if NYT wants to show a smoking gun, evidence is evidence ...
3
Does he mean that the Bush--Cheney administration diverted our attention away from the "friendly" Saudis by concocting the war in Iraq under the guise of hidden WMDs? Does he mean the government lied or knew something about the truth that was never revealed? How could this be ?
31
It's very simple thing. Then entire Iraq was was a diversion. I hope how much Bush and Cheney made was worth it.
Saudi Arabia contributes primarily two things to the world, Whabbism and oil. Neither are particularly good for the world's environment.
We really need to end the worlds dependency on oil. If for nothing else, at least we can end alliances with the twisted minds of religions that oppress, instead of lifting up their adherents.
How many good men and women must continue suffer because of the house of Saud? Answer? Probably way too many..
We really need to end the worlds dependency on oil. If for nothing else, at least we can end alliances with the twisted minds of religions that oppress, instead of lifting up their adherents.
How many good men and women must continue suffer because of the house of Saud? Answer? Probably way too many..
24
Go get em tiger!
13
“To me, the most simple, unanswered question of 9/11 is, did the 19 hijackers act alone or were they assisted by someone in the United States?” he said. “The official position of the United States government is they acted alone.”
Sound familiar? Just replace "9/11" with "the JFK assassination" and "the 19 hijackers" with "Lee Harvey Oswald".
Sound familiar? Just replace "9/11" with "the JFK assassination" and "the 19 hijackers" with "Lee Harvey Oswald".
10
OK, OK. But how will this affect gas prices for my behemoth SUV?
7
And I hope they don't forget to link the Bushes with the Saudis.
30
I remember a photo taken the day after 9/11 of Pres. Bush and the Saudi Prince together outside the oval office. Iraq was never the problem and George Bush knew it. All those lives gone.
43
When i saw that photo i wanted to throw up.
1
The picture is of GW and Bandar smoking cigars on the Truman balcony on Sept 13, 2001.
According to Vanity Fair, that picture has been censored and made unavailable by the GW presidential library.
Allegedly, according to the missing 28 pages, Bandar bin Sultan was accused of associating with the 911 hijackers. He has been demoted away from the Saudi intelligence service.
According to Vanity Fair, that picture has been censored and made unavailable by the GW presidential library.
Allegedly, according to the missing 28 pages, Bandar bin Sultan was accused of associating with the 911 hijackers. He has been demoted away from the Saudi intelligence service.
1
To me, Saudi involvement was evident, when, immediately after the attacks, the only persons US government permitted to fly out of the U.S. were Saudi's - to include members of Bin Laden family.
83
Dozens of Israeli spies, including the "dancing Israelis" were also quietly.released weeks later, due to pressure, allegedly, from above at the fbi and cia.
Are only Arabs capable of evil acts? What about the Lavon Affair? USS Liberty attack and failed false flag?
Are only Arabs capable of evil acts? What about the Lavon Affair? USS Liberty attack and failed false flag?
1
Wouldn't it be ironic if the very people who accuse President Obama of looking the other way while terrorism prospers, i.e., people like former Vice President Dick Cheney, are themselves responsible for this? Or if the people who helped Iran grow into a dominant regional power with vastly increased nuclear capacity, i.e., again, people like former Vice President Dick Cheney, were to accuse President Obama of helping Iran by negotiating a treaty that would contain its nuclear ambitions?
On the other hand maybe "ironic" isn't the right word...
On the other hand maybe "ironic" isn't the right word...
16
It's not ironic--it's the truth. Flagrant, sick, despicable, traitorous--those are some of the words I would use.
2
Does everyone remember that on Sept 12th the only planes to fly that day were charters for the Saudi Royal Family? Fine, excect that at that point nobody knew who the perpetrators were. Or did they?
33
Actually Bin Laden was all over the web as being responsible for it as soon as the towers went down.
3
Bob Graham is an American patriot and hero. If only Al Gore had named him as his running mate, world history would have been different and better.
31
Excuse me, but those of us who lived thru this time know Gore won. He was cheated out of the presidency and I believe he was threatened. Gore knows so much more than he can ever say. I am sure it is heartbreaking.
Glad to see that there are still a few patriotic Americans like the good Senator left. The Republicans love to wrap themselves in the American flag and pay lip service to patriotic slogans but the truth is they would never dare ruffle the feathers of their oil-hawking foreign masters. And yet, most Americans would think that the Republicans are stronger on national defense (ha!) If our national interest equals kowtowing to the Wahhabbist Saudis and Commie Chinese then, yeah, they are. The corporate-owned media does everything they can to push this line and the American suckers just gobble it all up, hook, line, and sinker.
27
And how do you explain the money the Clintons accept from the Saudis?
2
Rememer the USS Liberty! Americans are still waiting for judgment day for Israel for the deliberate strafing and rockecting of our ship by Israeli planes, covering up its first-strike against Egypt and Syria (ironically, still secular countries) to start the 67 Six- Day War which brought the aggressors the west bank and East Jerusalem, now colonized in violation of UN resolutions and the Geneva Conventions.
I continue to find it unbelievable that our leadership is so compromised that it will not call to account the murder of US servicemen by a foreign nation.
I continue to find it unbelievable that our leadership is so compromised that it will not call to account the murder of US servicemen by a foreign nation.
3
Cuba is still on US list of state sponsors of terrorism, Saudi Arabia next in line.
7
Good, maybe this investigation will result in charges that will inflame the situation and relationships we have over there so badly as to push it all over the edge and past the point of no return. At least that's one way to put a fire out, after all the fuel that's there to burn is gone; of course the flames would never think to jump the ocean, I suppose is the thinking of whoever they are that are wishing to fan the flames so hard.
3
too little. too late. shame on him and other leaders who didn't do their due diligence!
6
They had a very luxurious life style while living in USA prior to 9/11. They lived in expensive place, took expensive flight training and no limitation to travel from one corner of USA to the other. Some of them were young college graduates with no job or even no intention to work. All these cost money and money was flowing to them - must be through some banks, private donation or via some corporations owned by Saudis. I agree with Mr. Graham. But if such a powerful men cannot make a dent for FBI investigation how will the ordinary citizens influence the authority?
14
Senator Graham is grasping at straws and providing conspires for the victims of the attack. They and others have to accept the fact that 19 men with box cutters and unlocked aircraft doors, were responsible for this most deadly attack. Oh by the way, thie overall plan was prepared in Germany: Is that government a target for the lawsuit also?
3
Saudis funded 911 and continue to fund terrorism around the world. Bravo for calling attention to their misdeeds.
65
Our biggest problem in the Middle East is Israeli imperialism. Israeli is not and cannot be our ally. Our wisest statesmen, diplomats and scholars, including Loy Henderson, Phillip Hitti, George Marshall, and James Forrestal warned against recognizing a Jewish state in Palestine in the 1940s. So did eminent Rabbis Irving Reichert and Judah Magnes.
We should stop all military aid to Israel and pressure the Israelis to give up their stockpile of nuclear weapons. Then perhaps we could have a real Middle East peace conference and agreement.
We should stop all military aid to Israel and pressure the Israelis to give up their stockpile of nuclear weapons. Then perhaps we could have a real Middle East peace conference and agreement.
2
Seems the $1.2 billion the House of Saud has given to the Bush family is still paying off.
There's more. When Boy George sold his failure of an oil company, Arbusto, to Harken Oil for the big bucks, the largest shareholder in Harken at the time was The Saudi Bin Laden Group.
Both are why the only airplane to depart US airspace on 9/12/01 was chock full of Saudi royals and bin Laden family members.
There's more. When Boy George sold his failure of an oil company, Arbusto, to Harken Oil for the big bucks, the largest shareholder in Harken at the time was The Saudi Bin Laden Group.
Both are why the only airplane to depart US airspace on 9/12/01 was chock full of Saudi royals and bin Laden family members.
102
And Hillary and Bill continue to collect their money from the Saudis as well.
3
All those petro dollars are quite likely the reason that OBL was allowed to sashay, unmolested, out of Tora Bora. Keeping the fear alive, priming the pump for The Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq. Where AQ promptly set up shop.
At play in the fields of the lord.
At play in the fields of the lord.
4
Re ''Both are why the only airplane to depart US airspace on 9/12/01 was chock full of Saudi royals and bin Laden family members''.
The 2008 debate words of McCain still ring out loud and clear: "I know where to find Bin Laden. I know where he is, and when I'm president I'll get him."
Well, if he really knew then his first obligation was to get on the phone to President Obama on January 21st and let him know where to send the troops. But he didn't do that, did he?
The 2008 debate words of McCain still ring out loud and clear: "I know where to find Bin Laden. I know where he is, and when I'm president I'll get him."
Well, if he really knew then his first obligation was to get on the phone to President Obama on January 21st and let him know where to send the troops. But he didn't do that, did he?
9
Thank you Senator Bob Graham!
As the son of a Holocaust survivor who lost his first wife and 4 of his children in the crematorium of Auschwitz, and who saw his father scream in his nightmares in the 50's and 60's, I can empathize with those who lost their loved ones in the fires of 9/11. Many have not had closure yet.
The truth --- whatever it be --- must come out, not in the fog of history, but in the timely manner of living history.
As the son of a Holocaust survivor who lost his first wife and 4 of his children in the crematorium of Auschwitz, and who saw his father scream in his nightmares in the 50's and 60's, I can empathize with those who lost their loved ones in the fires of 9/11. Many have not had closure yet.
The truth --- whatever it be --- must come out, not in the fog of history, but in the timely manner of living history.
115
Must be a slow time. I guess we do not have "enough on our plates" right now. So, we can go digging back to 9/11 and start pointing fingers and making accusations. To what end? What would be done with any "proof" that he may uncover? I have always admired Bob Graham as a true patriot and public servant. But I do not understand what goal he is pursuing. If every allegation is true, then what? Invade Saudi Arabia? Cut off our aid to them? Cut off their oil? I do not believe that "cover-ups" are new to the American people - just examine history. And who has ever paid a price for them?
4
Maybe we could put the lie that Sadaam Hussein was behind 9/11 to rest.
6
Can you possibly be serious? Simply look at the post-war histories of Japan and Germany, or the example of the Armenian Holocaust 100 years ago, in which the refusal to try and own up to past actions, in most cases perpetrated by people long dead, still cause animosity and violence. Then tell us that something still fresh in the memories of this nation should be pushed aside. And why? If we were shown convincing evidence that there are those among us who were involved, are you prepared to walk away? At least I believe your views are rare.
3
Richard M. Nixon
Finally -- thank you Senator Graham!
When the Bush Administration shut down all airports immediately after 9/11, and then we found out they arranged secret flights for Osama Bin Laden's family members who were here in the US, I was outraged.
Somehow the Republicans only ever cared about Benghazi and Whitewater, and not about what actually happened before, during and after 9/11.
When the Bush Administration shut down all airports immediately after 9/11, and then we found out they arranged secret flights for Osama Bin Laden's family members who were here in the US, I was outraged.
Somehow the Republicans only ever cared about Benghazi and Whitewater, and not about what actually happened before, during and after 9/11.
125
The Bin Ladens were flown out before investigators could talk to them.
2
The Benghazi attack happened on Sept. 11. This was very symbolic; don't you think we could have increased the security on that fateful day?
Bravo!
Meanwhile, let's impose on OPEC oil a tariff that keeps its US price above $60 per barrel.
Meanwhile, let's impose on OPEC oil a tariff that keeps its US price above $60 per barrel.
6
Noble work, at yet another critical point in global affairs. Hiding or denying information just enables the recurrence of events.
What good does quashing information like this do? None.
What good does quashing information like this do? None.
25
I arrived in Paris on 9/10/2001 to learn, after hours of stalling by the hotel staff, that I and many other vacationers and businesspersons had been bumped from our hotel. Someone eventually explained that members of the Saudi royal family had taken a large block of rooms, and had displaced us. The connection between the arrival of the Saudi royal family in France the day before 9/11 has always stayed in my mind.
97
Can you document this?
2
Sen. Graham should be supported by other senators. To that effect I will write my senator (Schumer) and firmly request that he publicly support Graham's pursuit of full disclosure regarding the Saudi role in the Sept. 11 attacks.
I do not think Graham can pull this off alone - passive observation by the rest of us will not help him. It's true that emailing (or hardcopy) your senator may not work a miracle, but if enough voters do so the pressure is turned up.
I do not think Graham can pull this off alone - passive observation by the rest of us will not help him. It's true that emailing (or hardcopy) your senator may not work a miracle, but if enough voters do so the pressure is turned up.
12
I always found it plausible that the Saudis were involved in 9-11 in some way.
What I find interesting is that this is coming out nearly 14 years after 9-11. Why now? Here is my guess for whatever it is worth.
Perhaps the Obama administration has decided to "let" Senator Graham pursue this thread which will lead to an embarrassment for the Saudis and strengthen Mr. Obama's case for a deal with Iran, the Saudis' chief rival for influence in the ME.
What I find interesting is that this is coming out nearly 14 years after 9-11. Why now? Here is my guess for whatever it is worth.
Perhaps the Obama administration has decided to "let" Senator Graham pursue this thread which will lead to an embarrassment for the Saudis and strengthen Mr. Obama's case for a deal with Iran, the Saudis' chief rival for influence in the ME.
7
Bob Graham was the only decent Governor and Senator from Florida for the past 30 years. He has much integrity and who cares if he is considered not 'flashy' if he outperformed every other politician Florida has elected since him. I wish more were like him in every way. He would have made a good President.
76
If as the FBI says there is nothing of significance in the still-classified 28 pages, why are they still classified?
125
Because we still have agents and informants undercover in the Middle East who are named within those 28 pages?
This isn't news. Osama Bin Laden was a Saudi. As were probably 15 of the 19 hijackers. We've know that from the beginning. Do a bit of research; read more than a headline, and you'll get more significance than you can handle.
This isn't news. Osama Bin Laden was a Saudi. As were probably 15 of the 19 hijackers. We've know that from the beginning. Do a bit of research; read more than a headline, and you'll get more significance than you can handle.
My guess is that this is but the tip of the iceberg, and only one of many icebergs. Kudos to Senator Graham.
130
Wouldn't it be great if we could put Bush I and II, and Condoleeza Rice under oath? And Darth Vader as well? What welcome revelations that could produce, unless perjury is the small price to pay for such perfidy. And they want to put Jeb in office? Talk about crazy!
3
It's always been puzzling that the US attacked Afghanistan in 2001 when 19 of the alleged hijackers were Saudi nationals. Then the US attacked Iraq when Iraq had nothing to do with the 9/11, and the US is still involved militarily in both countries 14 years later. What a mess!
Now decades after we stopped meddling in Latin America in a significant way Obama says that we will not meddle in Latin American affairs. How about not meddling in the affairs of Asia such as bobbing Sunnis in Iraq and Syria on behalf of the Shiites and Iran and supporting the bombing of Shiites in Yemen on behalf o the Sunni Saudi government who as described in full circle have yet to answer for 9/11?
Now decades after we stopped meddling in Latin America in a significant way Obama says that we will not meddle in Latin American affairs. How about not meddling in the affairs of Asia such as bobbing Sunnis in Iraq and Syria on behalf of the Shiites and Iran and supporting the bombing of Shiites in Yemen on behalf o the Sunni Saudi government who as described in full circle have yet to answer for 9/11?
15
The U.S. Attacked Afghanistan because the Taliban was hiding Bin Laden. Unfortunately Bin Laden slipped away in Tora Bora.
1
There is no doubt, as evidence (if it will ever come to light) will show that prominent members of the Saudi royal family generously supported the terrorists and bin-Laden; the bigger question is why no one ever made a peep about ex-president Bush's interfering with the course of investigation and justice by giving orders to whisk away all members of the Saudi Royal family in the U.S. on a specially chartered plane for them after the tragedy of 9/11. The only plane that was able to fly while everything else in the United States was grounded. In my mind Bush committed an act of t..., but this seems to be well hushed up.
34
Former Sen. Bob Graham is doing what he has always done--be a good public servant. We need to know about Saudi Arabia's support for al-Qaeda and the 9/11 attackers many of whom were from the kingdom as well as Osama bin laden, himself, the organizer of the attack. We need to learn what was in the redacted pages in the 9/11 report. We naively go about demonizing Iran for its support of Islamic terrorist groups while giving the medieval Saudi monarchy an its ISIS-like Islamic fundamentalist religion a pass. Given our historic alliance, based on the huge Saudi oil reserves, that has continued with the Obama Administration for the Saudi-led air war in Yemen, it will be hard for Mr. Graham to succeed. But, I hope he does. We need a much more balanced and nuanced policy in the Middle East than the one we have that keeps us mired in one war after another.
23
In addition, wouldn't a more balanced and nuanced media better inform us than the status quo corporate media dominating today?
3
Remember too that the Aramco foreign compound outside of Riyahd house over 10,000 mostly American, British and other European nationals who keep the oil flowing on behalf of the lethargic and incompetent Saudis. This is an enormous walled off compound that looks like suburban America with every trailer plumbed for a still (source: a Jordanian national who was a "go-between" or "fixer" at one time who liasoned with Saudi police in the event of legal and other issues).
2
As I recall, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the FBI helped a number of Saudi nationals flee the country, for whatever reason. And the FBI has been caught in too many lies, cover-ups, incompetencies, and outright illegal behavior for one to trust them fully. Remember when the FBI found that an Oregon man was behind the Madrid bombings? (The man had never been to Madrid, but the FBI swore that his fingerprint was found there---but of course the FBI forensics lab is an outright scandal.)
The FBI is very busy breaking up terrorist plots it creates (having paid informants convince disaffected young men to try something, getting them funding, helping them plan, getting them materials) so the FBI can break up the plot and get headlines.
The FBI is very busy breaking up terrorist plots it creates (having paid informants convince disaffected young men to try something, getting them funding, helping them plan, getting them materials) so the FBI can break up the plot and get headlines.
19
Good luck, Bob Graham. It is a mighty task that you have undertaken. Kudos to you. Let's see how far he is willing to dig and sees that it goes back to the Bush administration. I am pretty sure our own government at that time was part of the plan. Sad to say, but could be true.
12
Some source materials have said that the Russians have the scope on 9/11 due to Snowden and they may unveil some very damning evidence in regard to 9/11 and the US government complicity.
Unfortunately, on a personal basis, it is just impossible to trust any of these so-called leaders of the world.
How can one ever believe one utterance from their mouths?
Thank you Mr Graham. The families most directly effected by the 9/11 DESERVE
to know the facts . We all deserve to know the facts. NOW!!
Sorrily, the facts will not be revealed until we the citizens, the people, stand up and take back our country that has been totally hijacked by the bullies of the World.
Let's support the physic revolution and use our energy to make the necessary changes that are needed now.
Thank you.
Unfortunately, on a personal basis, it is just impossible to trust any of these so-called leaders of the world.
How can one ever believe one utterance from their mouths?
Thank you Mr Graham. The families most directly effected by the 9/11 DESERVE
to know the facts . We all deserve to know the facts. NOW!!
Sorrily, the facts will not be revealed until we the citizens, the people, stand up and take back our country that has been totally hijacked by the bullies of the World.
Let's support the physic revolution and use our energy to make the necessary changes that are needed now.
Thank you.
I am pleased that Senator Graham is trying to bring these facts to light, but most Americans continue to be ill informed even about the nationality of the highjackers (just do a poll).
There is no dispute that 15 out of 19 were Saudis (+ 2 from UAE and 1 each from Egypt and Lebanon).
None were Iraqis. Yet we invaded Iraqi in response.
There is no dispute that 15 out of 19 were Saudis (+ 2 from UAE and 1 each from Egypt and Lebanon).
None were Iraqis. Yet we invaded Iraqi in response.
24
Senator, please keep it up. And NYT, please give this more attention.
I remember my frustration when after the NYT, with others, reported that the extended Ben Ladin family were flown out of the USA, by executive order of Pres. Bush, in the days after 9/11; this during a period when none of us were allowed to fly "for security reasons"; there was virtually no followup to the story.
I never heard a legitimate reason (one that would aid the USA) for that move, but no one in the media, including the NYT, deemed it worthwhile for an in depth investigation.
Please don't drop the ball again.
I remember my frustration when after the NYT, with others, reported that the extended Ben Ladin family were flown out of the USA, by executive order of Pres. Bush, in the days after 9/11; this during a period when none of us were allowed to fly "for security reasons"; there was virtually no followup to the story.
I never heard a legitimate reason (one that would aid the USA) for that move, but no one in the media, including the NYT, deemed it worthwhile for an in depth investigation.
Please don't drop the ball again.
116
The best reporting I read on the evacuation of the bin Laden family after 9/11 was in Vanity Fair, as they too were flown out when all civil aviation was shut down by none other than the hand holdier of the sheiks, Shrub II, who was asleep at the switch when we were hit, if he wasn't in on the gig with his Carlyle Group connections. There have never been adequate answers.
2
I think it is absolutely reasonable to persue claims that Saudis were tied in some way to 9/11. But aside from such sinister possibilities I consider it to be of utmost importance to review the political ties of the US to Saudi Arabia in general, particularly in respect to the various warzones in the Near East or Africa, if not worldwide. I believe for example that it is a serious mistake not to see the involvment of Saudi Arabia in the Syrian war and their financial and military support of various groups trying to topple the Assad regime. Assad may be a dictator, but Syria under father and son Assad was a secular nation with a multiethnic and multireligious society. What a contrast to repressive and in religious terms fanatic Saudi Arabia. It should be the top priority of the US government to call upon Saudi Arabia to end the stupid conflict betwen Sunnies and Shiites which inflames the whole region and to build a reasonable pax arabica with all its neighbours.
16
Considering what we know about our government's penchant for lying to the American people when it suits their agenda, I'd say ferreting out a Saudi connection might be the easiest part of the truth to uncover.
Kudos to Mr. Graham, and may he live long and publish. I fear for the target on his back.
Kudos to Mr. Graham, and may he live long and publish. I fear for the target on his back.
96
Thank you Senator Graham for your courage and persistence.
69
Most people know that Bush I and II had their oil slicked hands on everything in that region. Bush I was a consultant to the Saudi leaders and was buddy buddy with Saddam.
After 9/11 while the classified intelligence warning reports of a possible attack sat on Bush II's Oval Office desk the Saudi families in the USA were offered untroubled travel to major cities drop points in the USA so they could conveniently return to their homeland. Back home Americans were stcuk waiting as all commercial air transportation was grounded to facilitate the Suadi exodus to happier deserts.
Most of the 9/11 individuals were from two main so-called allies: Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Going to war with Iraq was a horrible mistake and getting Saddam because in the words of Bush Ii, "Remember, he tried to kill my father." is a joke, a sad one and shows that the Bush clan felt quite free to use America's wealth and American service men and women to settle a family grudge.
Good luck to this Ex-Senator. My prediction is the forces of the secret government will find a way for him to exit the scene sooner than later.
The same secret government that will not release the information we all need to have.
After 9/11 while the classified intelligence warning reports of a possible attack sat on Bush II's Oval Office desk the Saudi families in the USA were offered untroubled travel to major cities drop points in the USA so they could conveniently return to their homeland. Back home Americans were stcuk waiting as all commercial air transportation was grounded to facilitate the Suadi exodus to happier deserts.
Most of the 9/11 individuals were from two main so-called allies: Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Going to war with Iraq was a horrible mistake and getting Saddam because in the words of Bush Ii, "Remember, he tried to kill my father." is a joke, a sad one and shows that the Bush clan felt quite free to use America's wealth and American service men and women to settle a family grudge.
Good luck to this Ex-Senator. My prediction is the forces of the secret government will find a way for him to exit the scene sooner than later.
The same secret government that will not release the information we all need to have.
68
If Saudi Arabia is innocent of any complicity in 9-11, they should welcome a full investigation. The citizens of the United States deserve to know--is Saudi Arabia a worthy ally or a Judas in our midst? Investigate-- no more excuses!!!
52
Here is an interesting article that the FBI had proof of Saudi connections to the 9/11 hijackers years ago but were afraid to anger them because of the price of oil going up. http://bit.ly/1O7hdxK
Thank you to Senator Graham for continuing too keep the media focused on Saudi Arabian ties to the hijackers
Thank you to Senator Graham for continuing too keep the media focused on Saudi Arabian ties to the hijackers
19
Official Saudi governmental complicity in the 9/11 attacks has got to be just about the worst-kept secret in the world. Kudos to Graham, but why does anybody need persuading? The most crazed, fanatical, intolerant strain of Islam in modern times took root in what is now Saudi Arabia in the 18th century. The ideology born there has poisoned the minds of tens of millions of people and arguably played the lead role in wrecking the nations of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Every single Pakistani citizen who plots to fly to New York or Manchester, England and kill scores of Americans or English people has undoubtedly been educated in a madrassa funded by Saudi money.
Incredible how so many people in the USA can turn a blind eye to the problems among the Wahhabi sponsors in Riyadh simply because 1) they sit on an ocean of oil and 2) they refrain from making any belligerent statements about Israel.
Incredible how so many people in the USA can turn a blind eye to the problems among the Wahhabi sponsors in Riyadh simply because 1) they sit on an ocean of oil and 2) they refrain from making any belligerent statements about Israel.
161
Oil is not "incredible."
We can't leave Bob Graham on his own to hang out to dry. All of us who are right about so many things are ignored for twenty years before the right wing sycophants catch on. Help him keep pushing for proof.
128
Given Saudi propensities for funding extremist Islamic groups around the world, it would be surprising if they didn't have some ties to 911 highjackers; the money had to come from somewhere.
Given how inextricably linked the U.S. is to Saudi Arabia for various geo-political, economic, and energy concerns, it would be far from surprising if the F.B.I. (and the rest of the executive branch) was engaged in a bipartisan effort to make sure any truth to the concerns Graham is trying to address remains buried as deeply as possible. There's too much at stake, too many guilty parties if it is true.
Given how inextricably linked the U.S. is to Saudi Arabia for various geo-political, economic, and energy concerns, it would be far from surprising if the F.B.I. (and the rest of the executive branch) was engaged in a bipartisan effort to make sure any truth to the concerns Graham is trying to address remains buried as deeply as possible. There's too much at stake, too many guilty parties if it is true.
173
We could, if we got serious, eliminate our dependence on both Middle Eastern oil, and oil in general. That we are not trying is beyond sad, and a 9/11 in itself, and it comes down to moneyed and power interests running the country. What we really need is limits on the size of corporations, as they get large they become evil wether they want to or not.
I want to know the role of the Saudis in 9/11 and I think that investigation is long overdue and owed to the American public. Thank you, Bob Graham!
209
It'll never be completed, they're too busy with Bhengazi.
1
Bob Graham is an American hero for steadfastly working to bring information to light that has been withheld and dissembled to the American people.
He was a clear and honest voice on the Congressional panel.
He is a trustworthy politician, a rare breed indeed, one who believes that America people have a right to know what our government is doing, and what actions they are taking in our names.
He was a clear and honest voice on the Congressional panel.
He is a trustworthy politician, a rare breed indeed, one who believes that America people have a right to know what our government is doing, and what actions they are taking in our names.
202
Agree. It was always clear to me that Bush stonewalled the investigation and that we still do not know the entire story. Or anything close to it. Clearly Bush has early warnings. Perhaps he was just as incompetent as he claims but more likely there is much more Saudi involvement that we were told. I hope the real story comes out so we can act on history.
113
If it wasn’t for israeli occupation there would have been no 9/11 and others.
There were five israelis dancing near to World Trade Center in New York at the attack and it was documented. Go goggle and verify this fact.
There were five israelis dancing near to World Trade Center in New York at the attack and it was documented. Go goggle and verify this fact.
2
tony silver - B. S.
3
Easy for FBI to dismiss the suggestion that hijackers were assisted by an unapprehended accomplice(s) when the only persons who could truly corroborate the charge - the hijackers - are all dead (see also JFK/L.H. Oswald).
50
“He basically said, ‘Get a life,’ ” Mr. Graham said of the F.B.I. official, who suggested that the former senator was chasing a dead-end investigation.
And I'm sure the FBI "official" said this with a straight face.
And I'm sure the FBI "official" said this with a straight face.
47
Amidst all the interesting elements of this story, another one occurs to me. Why is it that we lionize people who were right about only one thing (up to and including Churchill), and do not attend to the those (like Bob Graham) who have been right about so many things?
208
Talk to the media about this.
1
I'd like to commend former Senator, Bob Graham for trying to uncover the coverup. Yes, I say coverup. I've lived through the Vietnam debacle, watching LBJ lie through his teeth that U.S. ships were fired on in the Gulf of Tonkin. I, along with the American people suffered through Nixon's vehement lies that he had no knowledge of the Watergate coverup.
I've always firmly believed that the Saudi's were funding Al Quada, and that the scope of an attack the size of 9/11 had to have assistance from others already in the U.S. I also believe the Bush administration had prior knowledge that something was to happen. Their defense was that they failed in connecting the dots. George W. lied through his teeth about WMD, what makes him and his cronies think American's would believe his words on 9/11.
What a sad state of affairs for the American people. Senator Graham, continue to rock the boat. Please!
I've always firmly believed that the Saudi's were funding Al Quada, and that the scope of an attack the size of 9/11 had to have assistance from others already in the U.S. I also believe the Bush administration had prior knowledge that something was to happen. Their defense was that they failed in connecting the dots. George W. lied through his teeth about WMD, what makes him and his cronies think American's would believe his words on 9/11.
What a sad state of affairs for the American people. Senator Graham, continue to rock the boat. Please!
315
The book Ghost Wars by Steve Coll explicitly documents the flow of Saudi money...and plenty of CIA money too... to Pakistani madrases, the Taliban, bin Laden and Al Qaeda, a lot of it from Prince Turki who was W's BFF, as well as the new King Salman. Saudi funding of extremist Islam has gone on since the 1970s at least and continues unabated. The most interesting development lately is the Paks saying they are not going to be the Sauds army, which traditionally all the Sauds did was crook their finger and the Pak's reacted...New World Order, I hope.
2
Follow the money. It may be revealing to learn more about the business and political connections of the family identified in Sarasota. The connections of the Bin Laden family were themselves very interesting.
177
Agree. The entire story of 9-11 has never been told. Bush wanted all records sealed and to this day many still are.
12
Bombing of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan , Syria and Palestine only created more enemies as none of these countries attacked or harmed the USA. And, most of all the 9/11 attackers were Saudi. Why not bomb them?
We can go on but the facts are just the facts.
We can go on but the facts are just the facts.
6
London-based oil executive linked to 9/11 hijackers
A Saudi Arabian accused of associating with several of the September 11 hijackers and who disappeared from his home in the United States a few weeks before the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, is in London working for his country’s state oil company.
The Telegraph
By Anthony Summers, Neil Tweedie and Dan Christensen in Miami
7:30AM GMT 18 Feb 2012
A Saudi Arabian accused of associating with several of the September 11 hijackers and who disappeared from his home in the United States a few weeks before the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, is in London working for his country’s state oil company.
The Telegraph
By Anthony Summers, Neil Tweedie and Dan Christensen in Miami
7:30AM GMT 18 Feb 2012
1
when it had a friend in the White House? They would have nothing
to gain and everything to lose, especially if their involvement was
ever discovered? It makes no sense. In fact, the Saudi government
was happy to have US forces stationed in Saudi Arabia. something
Al Qaeda found intolerable. In addition, the Saudi government
and Al Qaeda have always been at odds. Al Qaeda despised the
Saudi royal family for being corrupt and friendly with the US. If the
Saudi government was involved, I'm confident Al Qaeda would have
said so, in order to provoke the US into taking out the royal family.