We first remember the victims and first responders--but every year on September 11th, talk still inevitably turns to the man behind the attacks.
Now, two books about Osama bin Laden are making headlines on this 9/11 Anniversary and the defense secretary is speaking out about one in particular.
“We have to make sure they stand by their promise to this country,” said Leon Panetta, speaking about former Virginia Beach Navy SEAL Matt Bissonette on CBS “This Morning.”
Panetta says the author of “No Easy Day” violated his non-disclosure agreements when writing about his version of events the night SEAL Team Six killed bin Laden.
“The fact he did it without running it by the Pentagon deliberately, that he just said, ‘We're not going to do this,’ that’s a concern,” said Panetta.
Bissonette's lawyers hold that the information contained in the book is no different from the accounts given by Obama administration officials to newspapers, magazines, and even movie producers about the bin Laden raid.
Panetta says that is no excuse.
“The fundamental difference is that those people who provided accounts were authorized by the president of the United States, who has that authority,” said Panetta.
When it comes to possible criminal prosecution…
“We will take steps to make clear to him and others that we aren’t going to accept this behavior,” said Panetta.
Another controversial book making headlines this 9/11 was written by a New York Times reporter given access to classified presidential daily briefings from the Bush administration.
“500 Days: Secrets and Lies of the Terror Wars” claims that CIA and counterterrorism analysts warned President Bush at least six times, as early as May of 2001, about a pending attack by Osama bin Laden.
No solace to those wondering on this day of remembrance if the horrific World Trade Center attacks could have indeed been prevented.
