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WASHINGTON, May 21 (KUNA)-- US National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair
announced late on Thursday that he will step down after a 16-month tenure
marked by intelligence failures.
Blair, a retired Navy Admiral, said in a message to his staff that he will
step down on May 28. He is the third director of national intelligence, a
position that was created after the failure to prevent the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks.
"Dennis Blair has a remarkable record of service to the United States, and
I am grateful for his leadership as Director of National Intelligence. Over
the course of many decades, Admiral Blair has served with great integrity,
intellect, and commitment to our country and the values that we hold dear,"
said President Barack Obama in a statement released by the White House.
His resignation comes two days after a Senate report criticizing the
national intelligence and other intelligence agencies for failing to detect
ahead Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's attempt to board a Detroit-bound airliner on
Christmas Day.
"During his time as DNI, our intelligence community has performed admirably
and effectively at a time of great challenges to our security, and I have
valued his sense of purpose and patriotism. He and I both share a deep
admiration for the men and women of our intelligence community, who are
performing extraordinary and indispensable service to our nation," concluded
Obama. (end)
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