Amid hearings Libya gets new ambassador

The US has a new diplomat in Libya to assume the role of former Ambassador Chris Stevens who was killed in September 11 during a terrorist attack on the embassy. Laurence Pope is the temporary ambassador to Libya now. 

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - Pope speaks Arabic and is a veteran ambassador to Chad. He has experience as a counter-terrorism director. His job will be to continue the diplomatic work of Stevens, who was strengthening ties with the new Libyan government.
Meanwhile, a hearing in the House, led by the Republican dominated House oversight committee, accused the government of ignoring pleas for assistance from the embassy in the weeks before the attacks. 

The hearing revealed that the Obama administration as warned that the security at the embassy was dangerously understaffed and that State Department officials deliberately prevented upscaling of security there. 

The State Department has also acknowledged that the events were not the result of a film protest gone violent, but were part of a more concerted effort - a terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, Democrats contend Republicans are playing up the significance of the terrorist attack which took the life of an Ambassador and three US Marines. --As if it were possible to play up such an attack. 

Republicans say it is inappropriate to delay discussion just because of the upcoming election. 

Benghazi has been the epicenter of a number of attacks conducted by militias and extremists. Many in the know speculated that it was only a matter of time before the embassy was attacked, therefore they requested further security. 

It is unclear why the Obama administration refused the requests. 

Regardless, the administration made a grave mistake in the face of compelling evidence and the pleas of the embassy staff. The congressional hearings will determine if further actions should be taken to ensure such situations are not repeated.

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