WASHINGTON – State Department officials repeatedly objected to -- and tried to water down -- references to Al Qaeda and prior security warnings in Libya in the Obama administration's initial internal story-line on the Benghazi terror attack, according to dozens of emails and notes released by the White House late Wednesday.
The documents were released under pressure after whistle-blowers testified on the Hill and some email excerpts leaked to the media last week. The 100-page file showed that State Department officials were even more heavily involved in editing the "talking points" than was previously known.
One email sent on the night of the Friday after the attack from an unknown sender said: "The State Department had major reservations with much or most of the document."
Individual emails show State officials repeatedly objecting to the intelligence community's early version of events.
The early versions stated that "Islamic extremists with ties to Al Qaeda" participated in the assault and discussed links to militant group Ansar al Sharia -- and referenced prior attacks against western targets in Benghazi.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland complained that she had "serious concerns" about "arming members of Congress" to make assertions the administration was not making. "In same vein, why do we want Hill to be fingering Ansar al Sharia, when we aren't doing that ourselves until we have investigation results ... and the penultimate point could be abused by Members to beat the State Department for not paying attention to Agency warnings so why do we want to feed that either? Concerned ..."
The White House had until now declined to make the documents public and had let congressional investigators review the documents without making copies.
The documents describe how the administration developed "talking points" to describe what the administration wanted to discuss publicly immediately after the Sept. 11, 2012, attack that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.
Arrested ... Loic Remy is arrested in London on suspicion of rape.Source: Glyn Kirk / AFP
QPR striker Loic Remy has been arrested on suspicion of rape along with two other men.
The France international, 26, was taken in by Kent police on Thursday morning after a woman in her 30s alleged she had been assaulted at an address in Fulham on Monday, 6 May.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said: "Officers from Sapphire (a unit specialising in rape and sexual assault investigations) are investigating an allegation of rape which happened on 6 May in the west London area.
"The allegation was passed on to the MPS by Kent Police on 8 May after the 34-year-old female victim reported it to them on the previous day, 7 May. The victim alleges she was raped by three men.
"On the morning of Wednesday, 15 May three men, (A) aged 26; (B) aged 23; (C) 22 yrs, were arrested at an address in Fulham on suspicion of rape - they remain in custody at a west London police station."
A QPR statement said:"The club is aware of the allegations regarding Loic Remy, but due to police investigations is unable to comment."
Here we come ... Arsenal are confident of a top-four finish.Source: Ian Kington / AFP
Roberto Mancini's sacking marked a year to the day that Manchester City hoisted the Premier League trophy in the most extraordinary circumstances.
But one year on, we’re heading into a final day where the equation is not quite as titillating as it was when Manchester City slugged it out with Queens Park Rangers last term.
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The title is sorted. Manchester United have already been out on the town, revelling in the afterglow of Fergie’s farewell. Three clubs are already condemned to the drop. Mid-table spots just need sorting for prize money.
But there’s one fascinating battle sit to be decided.
Who will join United and City in the UEFA Champions League?
Arsene Wenger, gunning for Arsenal's 16th straight progression into Europe, is back in pole position after drubbing Wigan on Wednesday (EST), sitting on 70 points ahead of Tottenham on 69.
If they beat Newcastle United on Sunday, it renders Tottenham's clash with Sunderland redundant.
"I am confident because we have experience. We play for a long time under massive pressure and we have always found the solutions with the problems that we have faced…. It’s a big hurdle, but we’re up for it, we can only give our best, we want to be focused," Wenger said.
"It is all open, but it depends on our result. Even third place is not out of sight if we win the game."
Wenger is right - Chelsea (72 points), Europa League finalists on Thursday morning, aren't out in the clear either.
And of all the permutations that could take place on Sunday, one could have remarkable repercussions.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Man United
37
28
4
5
43
88
2
Man City
37
23
9
5
33
78
3
Chelsea
37
21
9
7
35
72
4
Arsenal
37
20
10
7
34
70
5
Tottenham
37
20
9
8
19
69
6
Everton
37
16
15
6
16
63
7
Liverpool
37
15
13
9
27
58
8
West Brom
37
14
6
17
-4
48
9
Swansea
37
11
13
13
-1
46
10
West Ham
37
11
10
16
-10
43
11
Stoke
37
9
14
14
-11
41
12
Norwich
37
9
14
14
-18
41
13
Newcastle
37
11
8
18
-22
41
14
Southampton
37
9
13
15
-11
40
15
Fulham
37
10
10
17
-13
40
16
Aston Villa
37
10
10
17
-22
40
17
Sunderland
37
9
12
16
-12
39
18
Wigan
37
9
8
20
-26
35
19
Reading
37
6
10
21
-28
28
20
QPR
37
4
13
20
-29
25
Should Rafa Benitez's side and David Moyes's Everton labour to a 0-0 draw, and Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-1 - both clubs will be tied on third with identical figures.
Same points (73), goal difference (75), even the same goals for (73) and against (38).
Where teams competing for the title, Europe or relegation are deadlocked in the Premier League, it goes to goal difference, then goals scored. If they can't be split, it's off to a play-off.
That unfathomable scenario - and it is just those results that would prompt it - could force both teams into a play-off, at a neutral venue, for third spot - the final automatic qualification place available. Fourth spot goes into the Champions League qualification stage, beginning in August.
Looks like Chelsea might need to rouse themselves for one last hurrah on Sunday night - because friendlies against Manchester City in America in May, and England friendlies, make it almighty difficult to schedule another fixture.
The Premier League isn’t the only league run and won heading into the final stage.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights across Europe and what’s still up for grabs. Keep an eye on Portugal!
England
Winner: Manchester United
Champions League: Manchester City,
Europa League: Wigan, Swansea
Relegated: Wigan, Reading, Queens Park Rangers
TBA: Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham jostling for final standings in UCL/Europa race.
Bundesliga
Winner: Bayern Munich
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen
Relegated: Greuther Fürth
TBA: Hoffenheim, Augsburg, Fortuna Dusseldorf for the relegation and relegation play-off spots; Schalke 04, Freiberg, Eintracht Frankfurt for UCL qualifying spot and Europa League positions.
La Liga
Winner: Barcelona
Champions League: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Relegated: Mallorca
TBA: Celta da Vigo, Deportivo La Coruna, Real Zaragoza in relegation fight; Real Sociedad and Valencia tied for final UCL qualifying spot. Real Betis will claim Europa League spot due to Malaga's UEFA ban.
Serie A
Winner: Juventus
Champions League: Napoli
Relegated: Pescara, Siena, Palermo
TBA: Milan and Fiorentina jostling for final UCL qualifying spot/Europa spot; Lazio and Udinese jostling for Europa spot.
Ligue 1
Winner: Paris Saint Germain
Champions League: Olympique Marseille
Relegated: Brest
TBA: Lille can still knick final UCL qualifying spot from Lyon. Pending results/goal difference, Saint Etienne and Nice can overtake both Lyon/Lille to nab the only Europa League spot. Evian TG, Nancy, Troyes in relegation fight.
Eredevise
Winner: Ajax
Champions League: PSV
Europa League: Feyenoord, Vitesse
Europa League play-offs: Groningen v Twente; Heerenveen v Utrecht
Relegation: Roda JC, VVV will contest the 'relegation play-off'; Willem II all gone.
Portugal
Champions League: Porto, Benfica
Champions League qualifiers: Paços de Ferreira
TBA: Everything else
Porto lead Europa League finalists Benfica by one point with a game to play; Sporting Braga will nab one Europa League spot, but Estoril, Vitória Guimarães, Rio Ave, Nacional, Marítimo are all in the mix still; Beira-Mar, Moreirense, Olhanense, Gil Vicente and Vitória Setúbal all can be relegated.
Victoria's Secret sure knows how to pick 'em. Every year, the ultra-popular lingerie company reveals its "What Is Sexy" list -- filled with a tally of celebrities who have awe-inspiring features like flawless hair, full lips and, yes, even a rockin' sense of humor. It's safe to say 2013 is no different.
Who's got the best smile? That nod went to Zoe Saldana this year, whose infectious, wide smile can't be overlooked. Blake Lively and her long stems secured the "sexiest legs" category and it looks like Amanda Seyfried's silky smooth hair is something to fawn over.
As for bodies, Columbian singer and "Voice" coach Shakira was victorious in the "sexiest curves" category and Barbadian beauty Rihanna landed the "sexiest bikini body" with her toned physique.
But it's not all physical features that Victoria's Secret aims to praise. Jennifer Lawrence landed on the list this year, having the "sexiest sense of humor." Who can deny her that? From her clumsy trips while accepting awards to her overall self-deprecating style, the "Silver Linings Playbook" star is practically the best friend America has always wanted.
From Amanda Seyfried and her flawless hair to Jennifer Lawrence and her hilarious sense of humor, we want to know which star you think has the absolute sexiest feature.
Director Steven Spielberg, jury president of the 66th Cannes Film Festival, poses during a photocall before the opening of the 66th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes May 15, 2013. The 66th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 15 to May 26.REUTERS
Cannes, France – Perhaps looking to stir up controversy at its 66th running, the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet questioner gave what seemed to be a backhanded compliment to this year’s president, Steven Spielberg.
Speaking to Spielberg on the red carpet Wednesday, he professed gratitude to the director of “Jaws,” four “Indiana Jones,” and, most recently, “Lincoln,” for finally accepting Cannes’ invitation after years and years – and years -- of declining the offer.
Denying he had been ducking Cannes, Spielberg replied with veiled exasperation: “I was always busy filming each Spring!”
The Oscar winning director attended the red carpet event along with the festival’s eight judges: fellow Oscar winners Nicole Kidman, Christoph Waltz, and Ang Lee, and five other international notables.
At the judges’ press conference afterwards, inside Cannes’ glitzy Palace de Festivale, Spielberg again found himself on the defensive. Asked if he would be afraid to judge other filmmakers’ films, Spielberg responded flatly “No,” adding that as directors, actors, and producers, he and his fellow panelists “were used to being judged.”
The Cannes jury talked warmly of the festival, filmmaking, and working together at the prestigious annual event.
Ang Lee admitted he might be uncomfortable picking and choosing among colleagues, but other panelists seemed exhilarated to be part of Spielberg’s posse. Kidman said she had always wanted to pick Spielberg’s brain, “and now I get to spend two weeks with him!”
“I expect discussion on the highest level with these extraordinary artists,” added Waltz, a two-time Oscar winner for “Django Unchained” and “Inglourious Basterds.”
Spielberg concurred. Speaking of the panel, equally split between male and female and hailing from the U.S., Austria, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Romania, India, France, and England, he said: “The great thing about such a multicultural group from so many disciplines is that we speak the common language of cinema.”
But he also admitted things might not go as smoothly as planned in picking the Cannes winners.
“I’m going to have to look at the Sidney Lumet film ‘12 Angry Men’ again to prepare for the final day (of deliberation),” Spielberg laughed.
Except this time around it could be five angry men, and four angry women.
As more women are learning about the heroic steps that Angelina Jolie took when she decided to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, I’ve received many questions regarding the surgical techniques used in these reconstructions and how they have improved. We spoke to leading reconstructive surgeon Dr. Richard Winters, vice chairman of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, about the latest techniques.
Once a woman decides to have this surgery, what are her options? “When a woman decides she is having a prophylactic mastectomy, the first consideration is whether she will keep her own nipple or not. Will it be ‘nipple sparing’ or ‘skin sparing’ surgery? Angelina Jolie had ‘nipple sparing’ surgery. Nipple sparing is simply that – you leave the nipple. If a woman comes in who has breast cancer, it is not conventional to ever leave the nipple behind. In a prophylactic surgery, if a woman is going to keep the nipple, depending on the size or shape of breast, you have to decide where the incision will be made – the underside of the nipple or under the breast.”
Angelina Jolie said she had a ‘nipple delay.’ What is that? “If the incision is around the nipple, you can do a preliminary procedure called a ‘nipple delay,’ where you make the incision, lift the nipple, and divide the blood vessels that supply it from within the breast. This allows you to redirect blood supply from surrounding skin to the nipple tissues so the nipple is more robust. You also take a biopsy to make sure there aren’t any surprises – any breast tissue that has the potential to form breast cancer. You get a little black and blue, and it can also take away some sensitivity. It doesn’t mean it will be without sensation, but it might feel different.”
What’s the next decision women need to consider? “With prophylactic surgery, you virtually always do an immediate reconstruction. Then, you have to decide on a technique. The first is the reconstruction, which involves an implant. The other type involves only autologous tissue – your own tissue. Then, there’s a type that I use very commonly, which bridges the two; it involves both the implant and your own tissue.”
What’s involved in an implant surgery? “There are two different reconstructions that involve implants – one is done right away in one stage, and the other is several stages. It’s unusual to be able to do a one-stage implant. Unless the woman wants (a small breast), you need to stage it and expand underlying tissue to accept a larger implant.
“Angelina Jolie had a staged reconstruction with a tissue expander, which is a temporary device that goes in under the chest wall muscles and gets partially expanded at the time of mastectomy. Then over a period of time in the office as an outpatient, you can access a port and slowly expand the overlying skin. Then, she goes back for the second stage, (doctors) re-open the same incision, take out the expander and put in a permanent breast implant. This can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks.
“The advantages are: This is straightforward and simple. It doesn’t involve making separate incisions or taking tissue from anywhere else in the body. For women who like the fullness they get from an implant – which is not what a natural breast looks like – and want a straightforward operation, it’s a great choice. Some disadvantages are that the implant will need to be changed over time, and it has a very small chance of getting infected or could form scar tissue.”
What about the other options? “On the other end, (there) are autologous tissue reconstructions. This requires bigger surgeries, but gives you a more natural looking breast if that’s what you want. We remove the tissue from where it lies, like in the abdomen, hip or thigh. We take it with its own blood supply, an artery and a vein. Then we transplant it to a chest so it can live as a breast, connected to a new artery and vein in the chest. It’s complicated but has achieved widespread use, and lots of places are doing them well. But it is a bigger operation with potential for bigger complications.
“There are also autologous surgeries where you take the tummy tissue and bring it up to the chest, but leave it attached to blood supply. So the blood supply comes from a vein from within the abdominal muscle. That is an easier procedure but has some disadvantages, because it results in abdominal wall weakness.
“Another type is to take a muscle from the back – the latissimius dorsi. You can take back fat with muscle, so sometimes that’s enough to make a breast without an implant.”
Is there a procedure that involves both options? “The most common operation that I offer women is to take the latissimus muscle and put an implant in immediately. The reason I like that is although it involves an additional donor site, it’s in the same quadrant (of the body) as the mastectomy. Complication rates are extraordinarily low, and it gives you a breast right away; (there’s) no tissue expansion, and they come out beautifully. This requires one to two days most in the hospital and a relatively quick recovery with low chance of complications.”
What questions should women ask their doctors before having a prophylactic mastectomy? “It’s important to know the surgeons’ experience with all types of breast reconstruction. Also, get a sense of what their individual complication rates are. Overall for prophylactic, I think it should be that the complication rates of any elective operation should be similar – less than a 1 to 2 percent chance of having serious complication, less than a 5 to 10 percent chance of having minor complications.”
Actor Josh Radnor, center, accepts the Favorite Network TV Comedy award for TV series "How I Met Your Mother" at the 2012 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles January 11, 2012.Reuters
It took eight long, sometimes excruciating years for viewers to find out the identity of the “mother” on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.”
The answer was finally revealed Monday night in the season finale, when actress Cristin Milioti showed her face for a fleeting minute, buying a train ticket to Barney and Robin’s wedding in “Farhampton,” the show’s fanciful, fictitious stand-in for the East Hampton.
Milioti will appear regularly next season, the show’s last, beginning in September.
“Our ninth season will tell the epic story of the longest wedding weekend ever,” says executive producer Carter Bays.
Milioti’s musical abilities were key to clinching the role, as The Mother plays bass in Barney and Robin’s wedding band.
Regular theatergoers might recognize Milioti from her role as “Girl” in the long-running Broadway musical “Once.”
She won a Grammy Award and was nominated for a Tony for her work in that show.
