13 Hours

With the release of the movie 13 Hours, much commentary and many opinions are also coming out.

One is by Goldman and Miller, "Former CIA chief in Benghazi challenges the story line of the new movie ‘13 Hours’." Washington Post, Jan 15 2016 on the Washington Post website.  In this piece, a central figure in the movie, the local CIA station chief, denies the manner in which he is portrayed in the film, including his action directing the operators to stand down, rather than immediately go to the consulate compound to assist when it was under attack.

It is not possible to state with certainty what would have occurred if the shooters had deployed to the consulate compound as soon as possible, rather than after considerable delay as depicted in the film.  

However, when it comes to deciding whose version of events to believe, the operators whose story is told in the film or "Bob" the local CIA station chief who gave his version semi-anonymously to Goldman and Miller, it is pretty much straight up.  I believe the shooters.

Obviously "Bob" is not motivated to confirm his depicted actions.  Most would not want to publicly admit their failings, particularly in such a high visibility event.  The shooters, on the other hand, would have a very difficult time concocting and maintaining such a tale if it weren't accurate.  Moreover, as a veteran I am more inclined to go with the story told by multiple shooters who acted heroically.  These men are far more likely in my experience to be straightforward and honest about the events that resulted in the deaths of their two comrades, as well as the ambassador and another American.

Each viewer will decide whether believe the story the film tells.  And whether to subsequently accept or reject the contradictory reports that have already begin to come out.

I believe the film.