[Michael.SF.]

has led to accusations that the State Department is either “lying” or “incompetent,”

Being guilty of either does not mean they are innocent of the other.

[grey_whiskers]

has led to accusations that the State Department is either “lying” or “incompetent,”

Being guilty of either does not mean they are innocent of the other.

Hanlon's Razor ("Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence. Never attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity.") is taking a severe beating.