Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 02/2015

Making the Case: What are the Real Lessons of Benghazi?

Aki Peritz, Mieke Eoyang

May 2014

Third Way

Abstract

It’s time to move beyond the partisan finger-pointing over the September 11, 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya. Policymakers should instead consider pragmatic solutions to reduce the chances of such an attack occurring in the future. Here are four ways for policymakers to make this case: It’s time to stop the finger-pointing. We must protect our diplomats better. We must position rapid reaction teams better. We need to build better leadership at the State Department.