There's also the theory that he was meant to be taken hostage, so that Obama could look presidential negotiating a deal to get them released, but it all went sideways when the contingent from Tripoli launched that rescue attempt against orders.
No. AQ doesn’t play sofball when they’re on a roll.
They prefer to select and take their own hostages in quick grab and runs, then play the media game. Play along with an enemy they won’t do, because if you try playing their game you’re weak and they’ll show their contempt.
This was a heavy, sustained assault with a significant force, and they obviously had detailed pre-worked information on the target.
Maybethe hostage scenario went south when the two SEALs from the annex went to aid the consulate personnel. I don't think that was counted on either.
It seemed odd to me that the people who brought Stevens out of the consulate were yelling Allah Akbar and yelling that he was alive.
Maybe they were saying this because they hoped the kidnap scenario could still be enacted. Maybe they were still hoping to get the Blind Sheik back in the trade-off.
Just seemed odd that the people who were attacking with RPGs would be giving the Allah Akbar upon finding the ambassador alive - assuming the people bringing his body out were the same attacking the consulate.