|
Tension continues to mount in the Middle East after Tuesday’s deaths of the US ambassador to Libya and three other American diplomat. As demonstrations continue in the region, sparking more deaths and injuries, President Obama has ordered all US diplomats to review security and to increase it if necessary. American embassies and consulates in Asia and the Middle East are no strangers to terrorism. In 1999, Ambassador Christopher Hill, was serving in Macedonia when local police officers were overwhelmed by demonstrators. He says people incorrectly believe US Marines are based at embassies to stop violence. “The Marines are a very small unit and their primary job is protect American documents," Hill explained. "They are not there to provide a perimeter defense. Essentially you are looking for a local government to do that.” Beyond the first layer of security, architectural security firms suggest blast-resistant, hardened shell exteriors with inner doors leading inside or with walls surrounding the building. In 1998, simultaneous bombings killed more than 200 at the Kenyan and Tanzanian embassies. The buildings were not set back from the road. Security firms also recommend emergency alert systems and safe rooms. Former Afghan Ambassador to the United States, Sayed Jawad, says security must be balanced. “An embassy is the window and the voice of the United States and the host country. Technically you can make it as secure as you want it to be, but then you have difficulty of getting the message out,” he said. | 
