U.S. lawmakers criticize FBI handling of former CIA director's scandal

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. lawmakers criticized FBI on Monday for not notifying the Congressional intelligence panel for probe of former CIA director David Petraeus's scandal.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told MSNBC that she thought the FBI's handling of Petraeus's scandal was "a mistake."

"This is certainly an operationally sensitive matter. But we weren't briefed," said Feinstein.

Petraeus's announcement of resignation last Friday after confessing to an extramarital relationship shocked Washington. Media reports over the weekend also found that the FBI began investigating the case after a female friend of Petraeus family complained to law enforcement about receiving anonymous and threatening emails. The FBI investigator traced the emails to Paula Broadwell, Petraeus's biographer and then discovered as his girlfriend.

Feinstein said her concern about the case had escalated over the last few days as more details popped up. "It's been like peeling an onion. Every day, another peel comes off, and you see a whole new dimension to this," said her.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will investigate why the FBI failed to alert the panel immediately about Petraeus's scandal, said Feinstein.

World News in Photo
A review on U.S. warships that pulled in HK	Beauty of body on and off stage	Hard life of rickshaw drivers in old city of New Delhi
N. Korea's 'dear respected' leader watches soccer game	N. Korea's Kim visits breast cancer research center	N. Korea's top leader visits sports facilities