[Carry_Okie]

Had he done so there would be major network news coverage of the dramatic and heroic rescue operation ‘The Won sent in’ to save the lives of 41 Americans in a besieged diplomatic station.

Which means he had to have a very good reason (or more than one) not to do it.

[TigersEye]

Fear and stupidity could be one reason and not at all unbelievable. But the other possibilities are believable too. None are really mutually exclusive either. His narcissism would kind of wrap around all of them pretty neatly giving them a reason to be his choices.