US Ambassador to Libya and 3 staff members killed

[Bison]

In an odd connection, one of the staff killed yesterday was a gamer:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/12/diplomat-killed-in-libya-to-fellow-gamers-assuming-dont-die-tonight/

I saw this too Steelie.  Speaks volumes about the connections and friendships that can be made in virtual communities.

[LongBlade]

In an odd connection, one of the staff killed yesterday was a gamer:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/12/diplomat-killed-in-libya-to-fellow-gamers-assuming-dont-die-tonight/

I saw this too Steelie.  Speaks volumes about the connections and friendships that can be made in virtual communities.

Somehow that makes it just a little bit worse.

[Bison]

What do you mean LB?  That the guy a feeling that something was not right just a few hours before the attack?

[Jarhead0331]

What do you mean LB?  That the guy a feeling that something was not right just a few hours before the attack?

I think he means, it's worse because he was "one of us."  And I agree...

[LongBlade]

What do you mean LB?  That the guy a feeling that something was not right just a few hours before the attack?

I think he means, it's worse because he was "one of us."  And I agree...

Thanks. That's it. It gives me a slight personal connection to him and makes me feel just a bit more involved than I was before.

[Bison]

Yeah that's true.  I cannot get over the fact that he seemed to know something was awfully wrong with local contracted security photographing inside the compound.  See R&P I linked a report to Congress expressing extreme concern over using local security as a cost cutting measure in hostile areas for diplomatic conclaves.  The report was given over 2 years ago.  While not directly addressing Lybia it direct addresses the fact that issues were seen elsewhere and basically ignored. 

[LongBlade]

I cannot get over the fact that he seemed to know something was awfully wrong with local contracted security photographing inside the compound. 

I heard a report - and haven't heard it repeated - on TV today that indicated that one of the local guards apparently directed the attackers to the correct house. :/

[mirth]

^Who would want to "govern" these ingrates anyway? Seems the only people who are capable of governing them are those sadistic few megalomaniacs who have absolutely no reservation about engaging in murder, torture, blackmail and threats to stay in power. 

It was an apalling, barbarous act, but I don't think the perpetrators represent all, or even most, Libyans or Muslims. Just as the nut in Norway or the whacko in Ohio don't represent all Christians.

[LongBlade]

I'm guessing they represent more than a fringe in Libya. Remember that a large majority of fighters in Afghanistan come from Libya.

[Steelgrave]

^Who would want to "govern" these ingrates anyway? Seems the only people who are capable of governing them are those sadistic few megalomaniacs who have absolutely no reservation about engaging in murder, torture, blackmail and threats to stay in power. 

It was an apalling, barbarous act, but I don't think the perpetrators represent all, or even most, Libyans or Muslims. Just as the nut in Norway or the whacko in Ohio don't represent all Christians.

I agree....somewhat. Yet in country after country, there never seems to be a shortage of volunteers to storm an embassy, riot, or put on a bomb vest and blow up a school bus. I suspect that the number is larger than we should feel comfortable with.

[Bison]

I'm not too sure its an action based on fringe rhetoric either.

[Staggerwing]

Dollars to Donuts, I'll bet you those mobs were salted with well trained ringers from East of Mesopotamia with a fondness for silly parade uniforms.

[Steelgrave]

^I'm not taking that bet. I can't say that my momma didn't raise no fools, but it wasn't me.

[LongBlade]

Dollars to Donuts, I'll bet you those mobs were salted with well trained ringers from East of Mesopotamia with a fondness for silly parade uniforms.

Color me skeptical on that one. Remember there's still a Sunni/Shia divide. I'm guessing this one is all Sunni.

[Staggerwing]

Dollars to Donuts, I'll bet you those mobs were salted with well trained ringers from East of Mesopotamia with a fondness for silly parade uniforms.

Color me skeptical on that one. Remember there's still a Sunni/Shia divide. I'm guessing this one is all Sunni.

Remember- Those Qudsies are probably wired to play the long game. Various mullahs have stated that committing small offenses against Islam such as going undercover and consorting with 'undesirables' including those whom might consider the agent provocateurs to be schismatics are acceptable if done as part of a greater plan to uphold Allah. These guys could have been in Libya for years getting set up in place. One can't assume that all the Sleepers are in Western countries. Hard core Wahhabi gang bangers also probably take a pragmatic approach to working with Iranian Shia operatives as well. After the influence of Western groups (and their money...) has diminished then the strongest standing can commence to bashing away at each other to assume control of the remaining mess. In their eyes all that Western rebuilding money is just another impediment. It's a lot easier to recruit from the dirt poor, frightened, and ignorant than from the fed, hopeful and educated.