yes, re: libya's not a joke & death is not a political talking point

5:29 pm - Thu, Oct 18, 2012: 77 notes

yes, re: libya’s not a joke & death is not a political talking point

wonkistan:

“The embarrassment is that political culture in America is such that we can’t have an adult conversation about the lessons of Benghazi, a conversation that would focus more on understanding al Qaeda affiliates in North Africa, on the limitations and imperfections of security, and on shortfalls in our intelligence gathering, than on who said what when in the Rose Garden.”

Jeffrey Goldberg refocuses our attention on what is really worth talking about after the attack in Benghazi. Particularly worth noting is his observation that Foreign Service personnel are just as integral to US operations in the Middle East and North Africa as active-duty military are, for better or for worse, and they know the risks when they sign up for the job.

which is why i wince and my heart races every time FP comes up in the prez/vp debates. for all that i’ll joke and reblog and laugh at memes about binders full of women, big bird, etc, i don’t want to see political gaffes or vitriolic blame-gaming when it comes to america’s role abroad, esp wrt MENA and China. in fact the more agreement between our candidates, the better, if that means brighter hopes for astute, sensitive foreign policy. i earnestly pray that whoever gets elected will prioritize sound diplomacy above pandering to public pundits and political funders - in short that they’d put peace above self-interest, party interest or even american interest. العلم في السلام. 世界和平。argue and mudsling to your heart’s content on domestic issues, that’s fine, but take foreign affairs seriously. please! for our good and the good of all.

How we talk about things is often as important as what we talk about—nuanced understanding makes sensitive, precise speech possible. Keep the conversation going!