Question.1963 - Description: Executive Security is a highly dynamic field that is in perpetual development. Security planners need to continually seek new and more efficient ways of providing security to the people that have entrusted them to do so. This requires a continual examination of our failures and modifications to our strategies. In 2012, the terrorist group Ansar al-Sharia attacked two facilities in Benghazi, Libya killing a U.S. Ambassador, a U.S. Foreign Officer, and two CIA Contractors. For this discussion you will review the two PDF documents that review this incident and problems that may have existed with the security associated with the Special Mission Compound prior to this attack. Keep in mind that this incident has been highly politicized and as such the facts have been obscured for political reasons. Your discussion must evaluate the lessons learned from this incident through a factual and non political lens. The paper should be outlined as follows: Cover Page A comprehensive comparison background into the attacks at Benghazi, Libya in 2012 A comprehensive comparison discussion regarding the security issues that have since been identified Discussion of how these issues have been or should be addressed Comprehensive Summary Reference Page Audience: Assume the audience of the paper is someone familiar with basic class concepts such as your peers in the class and the instructor. Sources: Use your text and at least five additional references or readings to help prepare your answers. Please use the Online Library to find sources, if appropriate. Language: Present your paper in a professional, academic way that addresses the designated audience. Be sure to present well-developed paragraphs that are free of grammatical error and that convey a logical flow of information. It should be written in the third person (avoid first person “I” or second person “you”). Format: Your professor will use APA criteria for academic papers to evaluate your APA compliance on written assignments. Use the APA style resources that are available to you in the Online Library and Writing Center to format your assignment. This assignment is worth 100 points and will be graded according to the Written Assignment Rubric.
Answer Below:
Introduction The Benghazi attack in 2012 stands as a pivotal event in U.S. diplomatic history, marred by tragedy, controversy, and a surge of political scrutiny. On September 11, 2012, Ansar al-Sharia, a terrorist group, launched a deadly and well-coordinated assault on the U.S. Special Mission Compound (SMC) in Benghazi, Libya. This brazen attack resulted in the tragic deaths of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a dedicated U.S. Foreign Officer, and two valiant CIA contractors who were committed to their mission. The repercussions of this incident reverberated through American foreign policy, security planning, and public discourse. The Benghazi attack serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present and evolving threats faced by U.S. diplomats and the critical need for robust security measures to protect those who serve the nation abroad. The tragedy brought to the forefront a series of security issues and challenges that required careful examination. It also sparked a contentious political debate, often overshadowing the essential lessons that need to be learned. Background on the Benghazi Attack The Benghazi attack was a meticulously planned and highly coordinated assault that unfolded with tragic consequences on September 11, 2012, at the U.S. Special Mission Compound (SMC) in Benghazi, Libya. The attack was orchestrated by Ansar al-Sharia, a known terrorist group operating in the region. This section provides an overview of the key events surrounding the Benghazi attack, shedding light on the circumstances and motivations that contributed to this devastating incident. Assault on the U.S. Special Mission Compound (SMC): On the fateful night of September 11, 2012, militants from Ansar al-Sharia launched a violent and well-orchestrated assault on the U.S. SMC in Benghazi. The compound, which housed diplomatic and intelligence personnel, came under heavy gunfire and a sustained attack that lasted several hours. The assailants employed a range of weaponry, including small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortars. The attack resulted in extensive damage to the compound and the loss of life. Casualties: The tragic consequences of this assault included the deaths of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a respected and dedicated diplomat, and Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith. Additionally, two brave CIA contractors, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, who were on a mission to provide security, also lost their lives defending the compound. Their deaths served as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices associated with diplomatic service in volatile regions. Motivations: The motivations behind the Benghazi attack were rooted in anti-Western sentiment and religious extremism. The assailants exploited the regional turmoil and the vulnerability of the SMC. The assault was partly incited by outrage over an American-produced anti-Islamic video that had sparked protests in various parts of the Muslim world. It also took advantage of the overall security situation in Benghazi, which had been marked by lawlessness and armed militias. International Outrage and Scrutiny: The Benghazi attack sent shockwaves through the international community, with the United States in particular witnessing a surge of public outrage and political scrutiny. The incident became a focal point of debates and investigations, which often overshadowed the imperative lessons that needed to be learned from a security standpoint. The Benghazi attack serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present and evolving threats faced by diplomatic missions in high-risk areas and underscores the paramount importance of robust security measures. This tragic event paved the way for an extensive examination of the security issues that were exposed, which will be discussed in the subsequent sections of this paper. Security Issues Identified The Benghazi attack laid bare a series of security issues that were contributing factors to the tragic events of September 11, 2012. A comprehensive examination of these issues is essential to understand the failures that occurred and to identify areas that needed improvement. The following security issues were identified: Inadequate Security Measures: The U.S. Special Mission Compound (SMC) in Benghazi was notably lacking in adequate security measures. As a temporary facility, it was ill-equipped to deter a determined attack. The compound's infrastructure and security infrastructure were insufficient to withstand the level of aggression that it encountered during the assault. The absence of robust security features and physical defenses made it vulnerable to infiltration and assault. Threat Environment: Benghazi was a known high-threat environment. The city had a history of violence directed at foreigners, and the broader region was characterized by political instability, lawlessness, and the presence of various armed militias. Despite this well-documented threat environment, the security planning for the Benghazi SMC did not adequately consider the unique challenges and vulnerabilities posed by this location. The failure to account for the specific risks in Benghazi was a critical oversight. Intelligence Failures: There were significant intelligence failures in the lead-up to the Benghazi attack. Several early warnings and requests for additional security were made by U.S. personnel on the ground, but these concerns were not given sufficient attention and were not acted upon effectively. The assessments of the threat level in Benghazi were notably inadequate, contributing to a lack of preparedness for the attack. The failure to gather and act upon actionable intelligence was a pivotal issue. Political and Diplomatic Context: The attack occurred in a politically charged context. The broader region was marked by tensions related to U.S. policies, and this political landscape influenced diplomatic initiatives, intelligence-sharing, and military response options. The complex political dynamics in Libya and the broader Middle East complicated the ability to address security concerns adequately. Diplomatic and security measures were often influenced by the diplomatic posture and political considerations, rather than being solely based on security assessments and needs. The identified security issues reflect a combination of shortcomings in facility design, threat analysis, intelligence gathering and sharing, and the impact of broader geopolitical considerations. It is crucial to approach these issues with a view to learn from them and implement changes that will enhance the security of U.S. diplomatic missions in high-risk areas. Addressing the Identified Issues In the aftermath of the Benghazi attack, it became evident that substantial changes were needed to address the identified security issues and prevent similar tragedies in the future. These measures, either taken or considered, encompass a broad spectrum of reforms and actions: Reforms in Diplomatic Security Procedures: The U.S. Department of State recognized the urgent need for reforms in diplomatic security procedures, particularly at high-threat posts. This recognition translated into increased funding for security upgrades and investments in training for diplomatic security personnel. These measures were aimed at enhancing the physical security of U.S. diplomatic facilities and ensuring that personnel were better prepared to handle security challenges. Accountability Review Board (ARB): In the wake of the Benghazi attack, Accountability Review Boards (ARBs) were convened to investigate the incident thoroughly. These boards played a crucial role in objectively assessing the events leading up to and during the attack and in recommending corrective actions. ARBs have been instrumental in shaping security reforms and holding individuals accountable for their actions or inactions, ensuring a degree of transparency and accountability in addressing security failures. Security Protocol Changes: Enhanced security protocols have been introduced at high-threat posts, such as the deployment of Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachments. MSGs provide an immediate and formidable security presence at U.S. embassies and consulates, enhancing the protection of diplomatic facilities. Additionally, there has been an emphasis on improving access to intelligence information, ensuring that decision-makers have timely and accurate information to make informed security-related judgments. Interagency Coordination: The Benghazi attack underscored the critical need for improved coordination between diplomatic, intelligence, and military agencies. Such coordination is essential to ensure a swift and effective response to security threats. The creation of Joint Operations Centers (JOCs) and fusion cells, where representatives from different agencies work together, has become a vital component of security planning and response. These mechanisms facilitate the sharing of critical information and the coordination of efforts to protect U.S. interests abroad. Continuous Assessment and Adaptation: Security at diplomatic facilities must be treated as a dynamic and evolving process. The threat landscape is constantly changing, and security measures must adapt accordingly. To this end, regular security assessments, risk management procedures, and continuous adaptation to emerging threats are crucial. Security personnel must remain vigilant and responsive, and diplomatic missions need to be proactive in identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them swiftly. These measures and initiatives collectively form a framework for learning from past failures, enhancing security procedures, and strengthening the resilience of U.S. diplomatic missions in high-risk areas. The tragic events of Benghazi serve as a somber reminder of the importance of a holistic approach to security, involving not just physical defenses but also intelligence, coordination, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats. Comprehensive Summary The Benghazi attack was a tragic event that revealed critical security vulnerabilities and intelligence failures. It has led to significant changes in how the U.S. government approaches diplomatic security. The lessons learned from Benghazi underscore the importance of robust security, intelligence-sharing, and diplomatic coordination in an increasingly complex and volatile world. Furthermore, the Benghazi attack shed light on intelligence failures. The U.S. government had received warnings and indications of potential threats in the region, but these pieces of information were not effectively shared or acted upon. This failure to connect the dots and respond appropriately demonstrated a need for improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms within the U.S. intelligence community and with other relevant agencies, both domestic and international. REFERENCES 2012 Benghazi attacks (2023) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/2012-Benghazi-attacks. Constantine, B.J. and Mcmahon, A.M. (2023) Diplomatic security failure in Benghazi, Libya, September 11, 2012: Journal of Policy History, Cambridge Core. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-policy-history/article/abs/diplomatic-security-failure-in-benghazi-libya-september-11-2012/F987F63B6E012C4D75E4C2C27B1F7E27 After Benghazi - the simons center. Available at: https://thesimonscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IAJ-5-3Fall-2014-36-44.pdf. Securing U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel abroad: Background ... Available at: https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/R42834.pdf. Securing U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel abroad: Legislative and executive branch initiatives (2014) EveryCRSReport.com. Available at: https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R43195.html.More Articles From History
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