The cornerstone of diplomacy between civilized nations is the expectation that diplomats will be afforded safe haven in their own sovereign compounds, which are considered an extension of American soil. When this most basic of international principles is breached in a barbaric homicidal assault, it is time for a change in our strategy. The enemies of freedom will only be emboldened if we stand by and do nothing or simply hope that next time they won’t be successful.
That is why I am calling for a suspension of aid to Egypt and Libya until their leaders not only condemn the action of the thugs who killed Ambassador Stevens and the three Americans serving with him, but also until they can ensure the safety and security of our diplomats in their countries. This is not only common sense, it is essential. We give Egypt $1.5 billion a year and Libya $20 million. What’s more, our diplomats serving abroad risk life and limb to bring freedom to places that never had it. American diplomacy, the very thing that was threatened with the murder of our ambassador, is in part responsible for helping ensure that the citizens of Libya and Egypt have governments not born of coups or appointments, but of their choosing.
Right. Because cutting off foreign aid to Egypt and Libya will make them devote more resources to protect the areas around our diplomatic compounds, after all the Egyptian and Libyan governments are totally flush with cash right now to protect Americans. Plus, collective punishment for an entire country always works, just ask the Palestinians.
Or maybe, our State Department should actually work with the governments of those countries, along with the extra forces sent by President Obama to protect the consulates and embassies, in order to secure a long-term solution for our personnel there. It's like there's already a plan being executed to protect our diplomats. Fancy that.
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