RPC Must Read September 17, 2012

 

Latest Developments in Middle East

 

The news keeps breaking when it comes to revelations surrounding the attacks and protests aimed at U.S. embassies. Reports indicate that several people have been arrested relating to the killing of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff there. Libyan leaders are blaming al Qaeda-linked militants for planning the deadly attack.

 

These sizable demonstrations continue in major cities throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. Since September 11, 2012, 71 U.S. embassies and consulates have issued 105 Security and Emergency Messages related to the Middle East protests. Canada has temporarily closed its embassies in Egypt, Sudan and Libya in the wake of protests. Germany has ordered its embassy staff to leave Khartoum.

 

According to U.S. intel, the attack on the Benghazi consulate was pre-planned and the protest over the movie outside the building was used as a diversion for security. Yet, the White House claims that these protests are directed at an offensive film, not at the United States. The White House continues to deal with each new conflict as though it is occurring in isolation.

 

Below is an update of the protests in the Middle East, provided by the State Department.

 

LIBYA

  • President Magarief said approximately 50 people were arrested in connection with last diplomatic mission in Benghazi.  
  • In Tripoli, the airport resumed operations after air traffic controllers agreed September 16 to end a strike that had halted most flights in and out of Libya.  

 

PAKISTAN

  • Demonstrations in Lahore and Islamabad concluded peacefully.  Embassy Islamabad and Consulate Lahore is closed September 17.  
  • In Karachi, approximately 5000 protesters marched toward the consulate.  Pakistani police fired tear gas and used water cannons September 16.  As of 2000 local time, all protesters had dispersed.  One demonstrator was killed and six wounded.  All American personnel are safe.  There was no breach of the compound and only minor damage.  Protests are planned for September 17 and Consulate General Karachi will be closed to the public.  
  • In Peshawar, media report protests on September 17 and 18 are scheduled near the consulate compound.  Consulate Peshawar remains closed.  

 

TUNISIA

  • Tunisian authorities arrested 75 people in connection with protests and the attack on U.S. Embassy Tunis.  

 

SUDAN

  • In Khartoum, the situation is calm; organizers called off the planned September 16 protest.  Additional protests are anticipated September 21.  The embassy is closed September 17.  

 

EGYPT

  • Embassy Cairo is open September 17, however visa services will be suspended.  Consulate Alexandria is closed September 17.  

 

GUINEA

  • A planned demonstration is scheduled at Embassy Conakry September 17.  The embassy is closed September 17.  Post anticipates reopening for normal business September 18.  

 

TURKEY

  • The Turkish National Police (TNP) augmented security at Embassy Ankara with a total of over 200 officers.  Two demonstrations occurred across the street from the compound and concluded without incident.  
  • The TNP provided approximately 60 police officers to reinforce security at Consulate General Istanbul, but there were no protests September 16.  
  • In Adana, one individual was arrested by police stationed at the consulate after the individual threw paint on its perimeter wall.  

 

LEBANON

  • The leader of Hizballah called for protests against the inflammatory video starting September 17, but said Muslims must not attack embassies.  

 

INDIA

  • India’s Urdu press published the Grand Mufti’s call not to attack U.S. diplomats. 
  • Consulate General Chennai will be closed to the public September 17. 

 

GERMANY

  • Germany barred controversial U.S. pastor Jones from entering the country and said a visit would be contrary to the “interest in maintaining public order,” media report.  A far-right group planned to invite Jones to Germany and stage a Berlin screening of the inflammatory video. 

 

INDONESIA

  • In Medan, police approved a student protest for September 17.  They are taking steps to keep the number of protesters low and prevent the demonstration from escalating. 

 

NIGER

  • The Islamic Council of Niger condemned the inflammatory video and asked Muslims not to attack Christian churches in protest, media report.  Separately, Niger President Mahamadou called the attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi “cowardly” and said “terrorism must be combated with the utmost vigor.”