Chas Freeman, Obama’s controversial pick for National Intelligence Council chief, withdrew his name from consideration for the post this morning. Freeman raised eyebrows for his close ties with the Saudis, his anti-Israel history, and for saying that the US should examine itself as the cause for 9/11. He is currently head of the Middle East Policy Institute, a Saudi funded think tank that is notoriously hostile towards Israel. Freeman’s withdrawl was applauded by Senators and Congressmen on both sides of the aisle, as well as various Jewish leaders.
A press release from the Republican Jewish Coalition welcomed Freeman’s pull out, lauding Democrats and Republican’s for questioning his appointment. Also saying that ”This news will come as a relief to the large and growing group of Americans who have grown concerned about the judgment and process that led to the selection of this flawed appointment.” RJC Director Matt Brooks noted that “it is unfortunate that important questions went unaddressed by the Obama White House on those occassions they were raised. It’s troubling how much effort it took to get them to face up to this problem.”
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