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[See bronxville's posts in this thread for some valuable links. Thank you bronxville.

Bronxville: I don't see the direct link at ACD for this article. Can you provide?]
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The Benghazi Mess (Literally, As Well As Figuratively)

Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2012 5:23:12 PM by bronxville

The Benghazi Mess (Literally, As Well As Figuratively)
American Center for Democracy ^ | October 4th, 2012 | Kenneth D. M. Jensen

Stephen Fidler, writing in the Wall Street Journal, has provided an extensive update on the situation in Benghazi that focuses on the unsecured documents that remain scattered around the consulate. Because the situation is still regarded as too dangerous, the FBI has not been allowed to go in. However, others have, including CNN, and a great deal is already known about what “goodies” are accessible among the U.S. documents. Fidler says, giving an example,

“At least one document found amid the clutter indicates that Americans at the mission were discussing the possibility of an attack in early September, just two days before the assault took place. The document is a memorandum dated Sept. 9 from the U.S. mission’s security office to the 17th February Martyrs Brigade, the Libyan-government-sanctioned militia that was guarding the compound, making plans for a ‘quick reaction force,’ or QRF, that would provide security.

“’In the event of an attack on the U.S. Mission,’ the document states, ‘QRF will request additional support from the 17th February Martyrs Brigade.’”

This is interesting, of course, because the 17th February Martyrs Brigade is related in some way to the Muslim Brotherhood. The MB having security responsibility for our consulate? I ask you!

Fidler also says that

“The itinerary of Stevens’s trip to Benghazi includes a near-full accounting of his planned movements during what was supposed to be a visit that lasted from Sept. 10 until Sept. 15. It includes names and phone numbers of Libyans who were scheduled to meet with him. Some of those Libyans have not made their contact with Stevens public and could be at risk if it were publicly known.

“The meetings include briefings with U.S. officials, a private dinner with influential local leaders, and meetings with militia heads, businesspeople, civil society activists and educators. The highlight of the visit was the opening of the American Space, a center intended to serve as a hub for U.S. culture and education.”

Something to keep an eye on

Jordanian Islamist demonstrate for greater reform after parliament is dissolved
October 5, 2012

Thousands of Jordanians marched in the streets of the capital Amman Friday calling for reform.

The protest came at the heels of the Jordanian king, Abdullah II's decision to dissolve parliament and call for elections at the end of the year.

The king's move was likely executed after officials caught wind of the protest, said CNN.

Abdullah has tried to stem any chance of an Arab Spring-style uprising that has swept up neighboring countries by focusing his reform on parliament and prime ministers, of which he has fired four in the last two years.

Reuters reported that the protest was the largest in 22 months of now weekly protests that often occur after Friday afternoon prayers.

It was estimated that about 15,000 people took part on the main street of Amman shouting demands for reform.

The "Friday to Rescue the Nation" rally was called by the Muslim Brotherhood, Reuters said, who told members to boycott the upcoming elections.

The Washington Post reported that the Islamist group also denounced recently passed electoral laws favoring rural tribal areas over urbanized areas, their typical stronghold.

It is believed that the protests have yet to amount to a real threat to Abdullah's power as opposition groups remain divided and few desire to see the king overthrown.

The protest on Friday ended without incident.
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“For over 20 months, the Jordanian people have had one central demand: the right to choose governments,” said Zaki Bani Rsheid, the Brotherhood’s deputy head.“And for over 20 months, the regime has provided nothing more than empty promises, and now we are faced with a political crisis.”

Source
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