Stevens spoke Arabic, knew many of the personalities from previous assignments in Libya, and could lead such a delegation to the new government. He was a facilitator. No doubt he was accompanied by other agency intelligence personnel who would handle the actual details and logistics.
are you suggesting the two Seals with him who also died may have been CIA?
No personal knowledge, but they were on personal service contracts and more than likely were hired by the CIA or DIA to carry out specific assignments. They appeared to have been assigned to the consulate.
Do you think any sensitive intel as to where he was at any time was leaked? And if so by whom?
No doubt. The Revolutionary government in Libya is probably heavily infilitrated by all kinds of folks including AQ and its Libyan counterparts as well as former Ghadaffi supporters. Just as we have the "green on blue" attacks in Afghanistan, the Libyan government and military are riddled with such people. And no doubt the local officials in Benghazi were informed of the Amb travel plans as no doubt were the local security forces protecting the consulate. It is very difficult for an Ambassdor to move around a country without the host country officials being aware of it. In most cases, you notify the host government whenever the Ambassador travels outside the capital.
If you are potus and sitting in a hotel room in Vegas doing campaigning and you get the call the embassy is under fire do you go back to sleep?
It sounds like the Poseur-in-Chief. He had to be taken off the golf course to observe the attack on UBL's compound. This guy is not engaged. He is either campaigning or golfing. He doesn't get security briefings. He is incompetent. We have our first Affirmative Action President.
As always I do appreciate your in-depth knowledge and experience. It sure does add a lot to to those of us who are interested in trying to put things in perspective. Thanks again.