“We must be clear-eyed even in our grief. .. There is no justification for this. None.” – Secretary Clinton
IN REMARKS that focused on the four fallen American foreign service officers who were killed in Libya, Secretary Hillary Clinton called the fallen, starting with professional life long foreign service professional Ambassador Chris Stevens, as well as ten-year veterans of the foreign service, Sean Smith, heroes.
Middle East expert Robin Wright said of Stevens that he “knew the streets as well as the elites.” Stevens was admired by the rebels, as well as other Libyans, but as Wright attested to, a small group of radical militants were twisted into rage over an obscure film posted on the web.
No one in any government on earth can control the new global new-media world that can spark violence and murder with a click of a mouse, with social media exploding the potential for carnage.
Clinton called the attack “savage,” saying Libyans carried Ambassador Steven’s body to the hospital and helped Americans after the attack ensued.
Asking how could this happen in a city the U.S. helped to save, she defiantly stated “we will not turn our back” on a free Libya.
Clinton stated emotionally that as long as there are people who will take lives in the name of God, the world will never know peace. She grieved that it occurred on 9/11 as well, talking of the bonds between Americans on this day, which now include “Sean, Chris and their colleagues.”
The news out of Libya is very sad. I could “feel” the mix of emotions from Hillary Clinton. I thought her remarks were very well thought out and measured. You could tell she was PISSED but she stuck to the balance needed in situations like this between diplomacy and not making emotional decisions even when that’s what you want to do from the core of your being.
Well said.
Tachi – I agree 100% with your remarks. She did what was right in this horrible situation.
Strongly second the three prior comments.