Another one of your heroes bites the dust. Maybe Ollie is available.
Kissinger Resigns as Head of Sept. 11 Commission
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By Adam Entous
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Under fire for potential conflicts of interest, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger abruptly resigned on Friday as chairman of an independent commission investigating the government's failure to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks.
Reuters Photo
The announcement, which followed the resignation of former Democratic Sen. George Mitchell as co-chairman of the commission, threw the investigation into disarray.
Kissinger's selection had sparked considerable controversy, both because of his policy-making role during the Vietnam war and the bombing of Cambodia, and because he is now a high-priced private international consultant.
In a letter to President Bush (news - web sites), Kissinger, 79, said he was confident that he could have resolved potential conflicts of interest with his consulting firm, Kissinger Associates, but was concerned that "the controversy would quickly move to the consulting firm I have built and own."
"I have, therefore, concluded that I cannot accept the responsibility you proposed," said Kissinger, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and secretary of state under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Kissinger has stated publicly that there are no conflicts between the commission's work and clients at his New York-based consulting service.
NEW CHAIRMAN SOUGHT 'QUICKLY'
Bush promised to "work quickly" to name a new chairman to the commission "whose mission will be to uncover every detail and learn every lesson of September 11."
"It is with regret that I accept Dr. Kissinger's decision to step down as chairman of the National Commission to investigate the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the years that led up to that event," Bush said in a statement.
"As I stated at the time of his appointment, Dr. Kissinger is one of our nation's most accomplished and respected public servants. I thank him for his willingness to consider serving his country once again."
Earlier this week Mitchell, the former Senate minority leader, announced that he would not serve on the panel, citing time pressures. Democrats have tapped former House International Relations Committee chairman Lee Hamilton to take Mitchell's place.
Bush signed legislation last month creating the 10-member commission, which he initially opposed.
Democrats said Bush could be asked to testify in person about events leading up to the attacks that killed more than 3,000 people. The White House rebuffed the suggestion.
The commission will look for failures in intelligence, aviation security, immigration and other areas. Subpoenas could be issued by agreement of the chair and vice chair or a vote of six of the 10 commission members.
Bush has urged the commission to expedite its work, due to be completed within the next 18 months.
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