On Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder fended off Republican demands that he appoint a special counsel -- outside the Justice Department -- to look into possible national security leaks.

Republican senators Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley expressed concern because U.S. Attorneys Ron Machen and Rod Rosenstein hold political appointments. For his part, Holder praised them as highly experienced and respected.

The controversy continues as the Justice Department searches for the source of possible leaks about U.S. cyberattacks on Iran, and an Al-Qaeda plot to place explosive devices on a U.S.-bound flight.

Ambassador Henry Crumpton, formerly of the CIA's clandestine service, discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.