What really happened in Benghazi?

By William J. Bennett, CNN Contributor

Updated 1214 GMT (2014 HKT) November 1, 2012

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Attackers set the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, on fire on September 11, 2012. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other U.S. nationals were killed during the attack. The Obama administration initially thought the attack was carried out by an angry mob responding to a video, made in the United States, that mocked Islam and the Prophet Mohammed. But the storming of the mission was later determined to have been a terrorist attack.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – Attackers set the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, on fire on September 11, 2012. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other U.S. nationals were killed during the attack. The Obama administration initially thought the attack was carried out by an angry mob responding to a video, made in the United States, that mocked Islam and the Prophet Mohammed. But the storming of the mission was later determined to have been a terrorist attack.
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Obama and Clinton stand at Andrews Air Force Base as the bodies of the four Americans killed are returned on September 14.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – Obama and Clinton stand at Andrews Air Force Base as the bodies of the four Americans killed are returned on September 14.
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A desk sits inside the burnt U.S. mission on September 13, two days after the attack.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – A desk sits inside the burnt U.S. mission on September 13, two days after the attack.
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Damage is seen inside the U.S. mission on September 13.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – Damage is seen inside the U.S. mission on September 13.
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A lounge chair and umbrella float in the swimming pool of the U.S. mission on September 13.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – A lounge chair and umbrella float in the swimming pool of the U.S. mission on September 13.
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Demonstrators gather in Libya on September 12 to condemn the killers and voice support for the victims.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – Demonstrators gather in Libya on September 12 to condemn the killers and voice support for the victims.
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U.S. President Barack Obama, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on September 12, makes a statement at the White House about Stevens' death.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – U.S. President Barack Obama, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on September 12, makes a statement at the White House about Stevens' death.
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A burnt vehicle is seen at the U.S. mission in Benghazi on September 12.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – A burnt vehicle is seen at the U.S. mission in Benghazi on September 12.
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People inspect the damage on September 12.
Photos: Photos: Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi
Attack on U.S. mission in Benghazi – People inspect the damage on September 12.
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