SHARPEDGENEWS.COM, Kansas City – American republican challenger in the forthcoming November 2012 presidential election, Mr. Mitt Romney, is taking serious flaks for deliberately launching a vicious political attack against incumbent President Barack Obama, over initial statements put out by the US embassy in Egypt criticizing the producer of the insidious movie that sparked ongoing protests in Egypt and Libya.
Mitt Romney rose quickly on Wednesday to accuse the Obama Administration of apologizing for American values, saying among other things that it is “disgraceful that the Obama Administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”
The American ambassador in Egypt, an experienced diplomat, issued initial statements to mitigate the growing sensitivities on Tuesday. Romney has refused to apologize for what he strongly called the “disgraceful apology for American values.” But Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a press availability later said there was “no justification” or excuse for the attacks on US diplomats in the Middle East.
Those who have betted on economic issues as the front burner in the 2012 election may lose some deposits to the emerging diplomatic crisis, which include sharp criticisms of the Obama government from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. Netanyahu had alleged that the US president had deliberately avoided audience with him while he was visiting in Washington, DC.
Local politicians are cautioning the Israeli prime minister to stop inserting himself into American presidential elections. Netanyahu is believed to be attacking Obama in order to extract what observers called a “global commitment” from the US president.
American authorities on Wednesday unveiled plans to deploy 200 amphibious marine troops to Libya, backed by another contingent for Egypt and other volatile spots in the Middle East.
In contradistinction with the grandstanding and politically charged reaction from Romney, President Obama said in a White House press conference later on Wednesday that those who killed the four American diplomats would be brought to justice.
The president said that Libyan troops fought alongside American soldiers to try and save the diplomats under siege. According to the president, the United States would continue to stand by the Libyan government. He repelled the criticism that he apologized for American values for which he said so many are willing to lay down their lives.
Excerpts of the president remarks:
I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America’s commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives.
I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.
On a personal note, Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya’s transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss.
The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward.