The House Intelligence Committee on July 15 released a declassified "28-pages" (PDF) detailing possible connections between Saudi Arabia and the 9-11 hijackers. Whether the "28-pages" should be released was a hotly debated matter, spanning years as victims' families and lawmakers pressed for the report to be issued. Some calling for the release of the report believed that the US had been attempting to cover up Saudi Arabia's involvement in the attacks. The document acknowledges that "some of the September 11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi Government." But other sources, including the 9-11 Commission report, have held that the Saudi government was in no way involved in the attacks. Despite containing only leads to possible Saudi ties to the hijackers, former Sen. Bob Graham applauded the release, saying it would lead to further questioning of the Saudi government's potential involvement. He stated: "I think of this almost as the 28 pages are sort of the cork in the wine bottle. And once it's out, hopefully the rest of the wine itself will start to pour out."
In May, the Senate approved a bill allowing 9-11 victims' families to sue Saudi Arabia. The bill must now pass the House and be signed by President Barack Obama, who has threatened to veto it. In 2012 a judge for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a motion to reinstate Saudi Arabia as a defendant in a civil compensation lawsuit against the perpetrators of the 9-11 attacks. The claim against Saudi Arabia was dismissed in 2008 by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit due to insufficient evidence that the Kingdom's princes has actual knowledge that their money would be used in the attacks. In 2005 Judge Richard Casey dismissed Saudi Arabia, its defense minister and its ambassador to the UK as defendants in litigation stemming from the terrorist attacks, ruling that all had sovereign immunity.
From Jurist, July 15. Used with permission.
