Embassy attack in Libya

[HouseofWool]

Has anyone been following this? I've been listening to NPR's coverage and I am scared. The ambassador to Libya and 3 others were killed the other day during a protest of an anti-muslim (specifically anti-Mohammed) film that was made here in the US and was endorsed by Terry Jones.

Now, the Muslim Brotherhood is calling for peaceful protests in Egypt and the likely site for the gathering is just blocks from the embassy. As awful as the Arab Spring has been, it is going to get a whole lot worse in the next few days. I fear for the safety of our diplomats and have visions of what happened during Carter's term happening again.

[corn poffi]

I've been keeping my eye on this too. It's absolutely terrifying.

[HouseofWool]

Today NPR stated that a couple of the embassy compounds had been breached, one was in Yemen and I can't remember the other. What do we do: fortify the hell out of the compounds with a bunch of marines and seals or do we evacuate everyone?

[diggitydot]

I think they've already sent a small group of Marines to the Libyan embassy.

[SoonerTexan]

I've been listening to the NPR coverage too. Poor Libyan ambassador. I hate that such a small group of idiot radicals is going to badly reflect on the whole nation, too. It's like the Westboro baptist church speaking for the US

[HouseofWool]

While I am all for free speech, I hate the fact that there will be few legal ramifications for the dipshit who made this video or for Terry Jones who endorsed it. Their actions caused the death of an apparently stellar statesman and 3 others. Additionally, it is likely that there will be violent riots all over the Middle East because of this, which will likely result in severe injuries and death of protestors.

[SoonerTexan]

While I am all for free speech, I hate the fact that there will be few legal ramifications for the dipshit who made this video or for Terry Jones who endorsed it. Their actions caused the death of an apparently stellar statesman and 3 others. Additionally, it is likely that there will be violent riots all over the Middle East because of this, which will likely result in severe injuries and death of protestors.

Hmm, while I agree the video is an excellent example of idiocy (and poorly made at that), I don't necessarily think there should legal ramifications. Violent rioting in response to something that offends you is never an appropriate response and getting rid of possible "triggers" is never going to solve this issue.

[HouseofWool]

I agree with you, I really do. But I don't like the fact that this person's stupidity caused the death of four people. I wonder if there will be some sort of charge along the lines of negligent homicide if they ever find the film maker.

[SoonerTexan]

person's stupidity

Ha, I doubt it was that. Sounded like it was pretty intentional to me. But shame on those rioting for taking the bait.

But whatever, it will take years for things to change in those nations and it isn't like every other nation doesn't have their own issues from time to time too.

[niener]

The ambassador's death is really, really unnerving to me; I don't remember another US ambassador dying on the job in my lifetime. And now riots are happening outside of the embassies in Egypt and Yemen... right now, I think we should evacuate people in those embassies before they meet the same fate as Stevens. This is a terrifying situation.

[HouseofWool]

I don't doubt that he (or she) was trying to stir things up, but I highly doubt they thought through all of the potential consequences. And really provoking intense riots which have the potential to end in bloodshed should have been an obvious outcome. If they did this anyway knowing it was a likely result then they should face consequences.

[Sheherezade]

I had so many arguments about the video yesterday. I think the reaction was insane and that the attack must be put down by our forces or the country's forces. BUT, I also want to whack the film maker and the idiot Terry Jones for hosting a screening of it on his self styled "Judge A Mohammad Mo'" day each 9/11. What a whack job. Last year he threatens to burn Korans on 9/11, this year the film. Both years, people died in the protest reactions. (Afghanistan last year) I'm glad to see others say they are disturbed by the film as well; I keep telling my son - who thinks I'm against free speech and apologizing for the US - that it's a mom reaction. GROW UP already, people. Both sides.

[HouseofWool]

Yes, the reaction is over the top. When I was listening to NPR last night, one comment jumped out at me. Apparently, people in Libya had been lead to believe that the entire film is being shown widely across the US and that everyone here agrees with it. Hell, if that were the case, I'd be pretty pissed too. I really want Jones and the film maker held responsible for screwing up international relations across a huge swath of the globe. Because this won't affect just middle eastern relations, it will spread to other oppressive regimes as well.

Now is the time where we need an strong State Department and level headed approach to this problem. To be honest, I was an undecided voter until this happened. I am very concerned that Romney's lack of international finesse is a huge detriment. Not that I think Obama is particularly good...

[Sheherezade]

Yes, I'm not on the Romney train. Of course, I have a lot of different reasons, but international relations is a primary concern. As much as we are talking about the economy, even THAT is linked to the European debt crisis. I'm sorry that Hillary is moving on from the State Department though because I was hoping for stability at least. I guess stability of MOST of the people working there with the same administration will be something. Not sure who the top dog will be though. Probably a critical position in these times.

[Meenah]

Crap - I was in the office today (we are closed on Thursdays) doing paperwork, and the UPS guy came in and started yelling about the whole thing. He was so angry and was telling me it is Obama's fault and asking me what do I think? He went on and on about the administration and Obama and Romney. I was really a little scared. He asked if I was voting for Obama. WTF, I didn't answer, but I have never seen him before, have no political stickers on my car, etc. If he hadn't been delivering stuff I ordered, I would have thought he was a fake and called 911. This went on for 5 minutes (but felt like 30). I can't wait for November to be OVER!