An American diplomat in Libya was killed by insurgents.
September 12, 2012- US diplomat Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an information analyst, died in a terrorist attack at US headquarters in Libya. April 2011 saw the arrival of a US envoy deployed to Libya in a bid to help reinstate discipline in a country governed by a corrupt government with rebels still attempting to better their nation.
Although the mission was led by NATO, any perceived diplomacy were expected to be dangerous in such a state. However, rebels were relieved to see forces coming in as they worked to fight Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, renaming the Benghazi plaza, Freedom Square, along with erecting British, American and French flags. Mr. Stevens and those associated with the deployment had originally been staying in a hotel close by before a detonating car forced them to move form the hotel they’d set base in.
The 52 year old diplomat, along with Mr. Smith who had worked for the Foreign Services for over a decade, in addition to employees working for the State Department all lost their lives on Tuesday as firing aimed at the American Consulate took place. This followed a protest which had gained in violence, in regards to an American-made anti-Islam video.
Mr. Stevens was particularly suited to his job, not only a fluent Arabic speaker, but also having an acquired and precise knowledge of the struggles of the arab people of the region. In a recent email he wrote to family in friends, he is quoted as saying, “The whole atmosphere has changed for the better. People smile more and are much more open with foreigners. Americans, French and British are enjoying usual popularity. Let’s hope it lasts.” He added, “We know that Libya is still recovering from an intense period of conflict. And there are many courageous Libyans who bear the scars of that battle.”
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