Too Little, Too Late? Newsweek retracts.

Newsweek has now retracted its story:

"Based on what we know now, we are retracting our original story that an internal military investigation had uncovered Quran abuse at Guantanamo Bay," Whitaker said.

White House press secretary Scott McClellan called Newsweek's retraction "a good first step" but said it could not repair all the damage that had been done.

"The report had real consequences," McClellan said. "People have lost their lives. Our image abroad has been damaged. There are some who are opposed to the United States and what we stand for who have sought to exploit this allegation."

Newsweek has taken an important first step in righting a wrong. But the task that Newsweek has ahead of itself in repairing its reputation is nothing compared to the task that is before our nation in repairing the damage done with respect to U.S.-Islamic relations. Newsweek's irresponsibility served only to breed further distrust and to fan the flames, creating an even larger pool of potential suicide bombers and others willing to die for the jihadist cause. In the midst of our efforts to create a safer world, Isakoff and Whitaker's actions served to thwart those efforts. If they truly do regret their actions, they would do well to step down from their respective positions.

(hat tip to Captain Ed)