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Africa North
US names new diplomat to Libya to replace Stevens
2012-10-12
Will they give this one real Marine guards, or is he going to have to rely on local hires with 'some English', like the dead man?
[Al Ahram] The United States on Thursday named a new charge d'affaires to Libya following the murder of ambassador Chris Stevens in last month's cut-thoat attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. Veteran diplomat and Arabic speaker Laurence Pope has arrived in Tripoli
...a confusing city, one end of thich is located in Lebanon and the other end of which is the capital of Libya. Its chief distinction is being mentioned in the Marine Hymn...
 already, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement.

His appointment "emphasizes the commitment of the United States to the relationship between our two countries and to the people of Libya as they move forward in their transition to a democratic government," Nuland said.

"We will continue to assist as Libya builds democratic institutions and broad respect for the rule of law -- the goals that Ambassador Stevens worked hard to achieve."

Pope has come out of retirement to take up the post at a time when the State Department is still investigating the September 11 attack in which Stevens and three other American diplomatic staff were killed.
Posted by:Fred

#12  Pope is the son of a Medal of Honor recipient. Hope Pope does not end up dead.
Posted by: JohnQC   2012-10-12 17:53  

#11  "Should've picked someone who could've bought his own skilled security "

that's actually an interesting idea. maybe the USA should start sending "gladiator-ambassadors" to the outskirts of our empire. at least we would have the satisfaction of knowing these people can take care of themselves. right now - i avoid US embassies at all cost. you can never tell what's going to happen in their neighborhood. really. :-)
Posted by: Raider   2012-10-12 14:44  

#10  "We will continue to assist as Libya builds democratic institutions and broad respect for the rule of law -- the goals that Ambassador Stevens worked hard to achieve."

Looks like that one still needs a little work...
Posted by: tu3031   2012-10-12 11:56  

#9  Should've picked someone who could've bought his own skilled security see Cohors amicorum, aka military retainer, household guard.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2012-10-12 11:53  

#8  "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred."
-- SuperChicken
Posted by: mojo   2012-10-12 10:27  

#7  If I were him - I'd keep the number for the French Foreign Legion on my speed dial :-)
Posted by: Raider   2012-10-12 10:24  

#6  I hope Pope knows it is 'BYOS'.
Posted by: WacoInMN   2012-10-12 10:11  

#5  Recess appointment, smeshesh appointment, hasn't stopped them before. Great idea though, sending a guy named Pope.
Posted by: swksvolFF   2012-10-12 10:03  

#4  Thanks crosspatch. That all makes sense.
Posted by: tipper   2012-10-12 05:14  

#3  Ambassador must be confirmed by the Senate. I don't believe a recess appointment can be made unless the name is first submitted and THEN the Senate goes out of session but I could be wrong. Besides, there's only a few months to the election. If Obama lost, the ambassador might change with the new administration. Moving someone all the way over there as ambassador for a 2.5 month tour is kinda crazy.
Posted by: crosspatch   2012-10-12 04:09  

#2  So why appoint a charge d'affaires instead of an ambassador?
Posted by: tipper   2012-10-12 01:49  

#1  Good luck, Mr. Pope on the new appointment. Given the State Department's lack of care about security, you will need it.
Posted by: Alaska Paul   2012-10-12 01:09  

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