Kelsey Parks Mr.

Wright 89 to Present H 5 June 2013 Media Honesty Benghazi Prior to the 2012 attacks on the US diplomatic grounds in Benghazi, the US was exposed to many diplomatic attacks around the world. From just 1998 to 2011, US diplomatic sites were subjected to thirteen deadly attacks, Benghazi being the second one to occur during President Obamas first term. Prior to the attack, their were multiple attempts were the extremists in Benghazi sought after anyone with American ties. For example, the Imprisoned Omar Abdul Rahman Brigades, an AlQaeda affiliate, attacked the International Red Cross outlet in Benghazi and released a video of their desire to kill Americans just months before the official attack. The major media outlets have faced much controversy over the Benghazi story. Conservatives have argued that MSNBC, CNN, and other mainstream news outlets have played down the events in Benghazi, and that there was a liberal bias; since there is a democratic president their was not as much news coverage as there would have been under a republican president. An MSNBC news reporter initially stated that the reasoning for attack, in rebel against the video, was incorrect, but dropped the story after about a week. A FOX news reporter, claimed that this is a journalistic scandal, after the public learned that the government knew of terrorist connections to the attack almost immediately but did not release that information to the public. Another outlet, the National Review, argued that after two weeks of the

attack the only news outlet that covered the Benghazi attack and treated it as a major story was FOX News, if it was talked about on another news outlet he claimed that was only because a republican brought it up. On November 2nd, the Huffington Post revealed that the associated press help back any details of Benghazi because they were asked to by Obama and the CIA. On September 11, 2012, US Ambassador Chris Stevens holds a meeting inside the compound in Benghazi. At around 8:30 pm, Stevens wraps up the meeting and starts to escort a Turkish diplomat outside the main entrance of the compound. However, the agents then hear explosions and rioting; as see in the surveillance a mob with weapons flooding the compound. Attackers destroy the building, breaking down the walls and setting the furniture on fire. They try repeatedly to get to the Americans but cannot seem to reach them, as they have barricaded themselves deep inside the compound. Stevens, Smith and one other agent decide they must evacuate as they are running out of fresh air, the agent leaves first but Smith and Stevens do not follow. As help arrives, they start to search for the missing Americas. Smith is found dead almost immediately, as Stevens cannot be found. They are under fire and constant attack and decide they must evacuate immediately, as the officials try to leave Benghazi they are repeatedly dodging bullets and grenades. That morning around 4 a.m, the compound building is hit by mortar fire; killing two more security personnel. We believe that any party involved in the wrong doing, should be treated as terrorists and the US should take a stern and powerful response against them. This does not mean going to war, but not letting them get away wit attacks against the US and our people. Such as finding those responsible for the attack and killing

them. This way, the government will not let down the conservatives who want war, or the liberals who want nothing to retaliation to the attacks.