Critics of US intelligence failures force National Intelligence chief Blair to resign

WASHINGTON - The exposure of American intelligence failures by critics has forced the Obama administration to accept the resignation of National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair.

Blair said on Thursday that he would resign.

The intelligence failures include the Fort Hood shooting to the failed Christmas Day bombing plot to the attempted Times Square bombing.It is with deep regret that I informed the president today that I will step down as director of National Intelligence effective Friday, May 28th,” Fox News quoted Blair, as saying in a written statement.

“I have had no greater honor or pleasure than to lead the remarkably talented and patriotic men and women of the Intelligence Community,” he added.

In a written statement, President Obama said he was “grateful” for Blair’s leadership in the job.

“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 said.

“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,” he said.

The president is already is interviewing potential successors. (ANI)