CNN: Lawmakers Defend Failed Hostage Rescue Mission in Yemen
Sara Fischer of CNN reports on the discussion surrounding the failed rescue attempt of American journalist Luke Somers:
Lawmakers from both parties defended the Obama administration's attempt to rescue American journalist Luke Somers early Sunday morning, even though the dangerous mission did not result in saving Somer's life.
"It was an unfortunate outcome," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, a Republican, told Candy Crowley on CNN's "State of the Union." "But I do believe you have to make these kinds of decisions."
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, who also serves on committee, said on "CNN Newsroom" on Sunday, "Obviously we would have loved to be able to rescue these hostages and preserve their lives."
"But I think it was the right decision to make ... The President made the call, the tough call that it was worth the risk. And I think he was exactly right," he said.
Both Rogers and Schiff also defended the administration's hostage policy -- and like Hagel -- they acknowledged that improvements need to be made to U.S. rescue operations.
Schiff reinforced Roger's position that paying ransoms only fuels more violence.
"I think you end up funding other hostage taking and the cycle just perpetuates itself, so I think our decision is the right one," he said. "Rather, try to rescue our hostages than pay ransoms, and, of course, prospectively trying to keep our people out of harm's way. I think that is really the right policy, as painful as it is, and as enormously agonizing as it is for the families of these hostages."
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By: Sara Fischer
Source: CNN