I am speaking as a private citizen, not as a representative of the US government. I continue to be shocked and disheartened by the vitriolic accusations by armchair quarterbacks related to the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Lybia. I wish those who are quick to spread these comments knew the facts and the big picture. But hatred and arrogance are strong emotions, and can be easily pumped up beyond reason and truth. Latest news reports counter the rumors.
Just a few thoughts. First, Marines are stationed at embassies - NOT consulates - to protect materials and facilities, not necessarily the people. Consulates especially rely on other security measures. Second, consulates are usually smaller, less-impressive and often temporary buildings in far-flung neighborhoods. We could do a lot more to build fortified diplomatic facilities with more security forces, if Congress and the people were willing to pay for it. But we have to find a balance and learn to make do with what we have. Third, no matter who the President is or the political party in charge is, we don't send military troops into a foreign country for every threat against our diplomats or facilities. Would you be OK with the Chinese or Russians sending troops onto US soil if they felt their consulate was threatened? Refraining from shooting first and asking questions later is often a sign of maturity, not cowardice. But even if a counterattack is deemed appropriate, you still have to deal with the realities of time, distance, physical terrain, national boundaries of sovereign countries, and innocent bystanders. This isn't Star Trek. We can't just beam down at a moment's notice, right where we need to be, with our phasers set on stun.
Were mistakes made regarding Benghazi? Undoubtedly. Just like in any emergency situation. Were there mixed messages about it? Yes, although I hear a lot of blame toward the President about what someone else said. Is that a cover-up? No - what would be the point? The security measures and the ability to respond in Benghazi were not out of the norm. Can the President prevent every act of violence or natural disaster? Of course not. Can we learn from this tragedy? Yes, just as we did from the bombings of our embassies in Africa, and from the attacks of 9/11. But it always takes months, and sometimes years to piece together all the facts, figure out how you can mitigate the risk, and determine which plan is the right balance of security and cost.
Finally, and most importantly, diplomats know that our safety cannot be guaranteed. We prepare, we take precautions, within reason and budget. In every post I've been at, I have lived and worked behind high walls topped with razor wire. Everywhere I've been posted so far I've heard gunfire, sometimes distant, sometimes close. In Mexico, both our consulate and our house were hit by bullets. But in the end, as part of a multi-prong strategy of national security that includes diplomacy and defense, we willingly go out there and take the risks with the belief that we can help turn enemies and strengthen friendships. We honor our colleagues who make that the ultimate sacrifice.
