AP: Billions more needed to secure US embassies

[babylonsister]

AP: Billions more needed to secure US embassies

By Matthew Lee
Associated Press Writer / June 22, 2008


WASHINGTON—Despite an intensive $4 billion drive to protect U.S. embassies, at least 150 American missions abroad fall short of security standards put in place after deadly bombings, The Associated Press has learned.

It will cost twice that amount to replace or renovate just the most vulnerable ones, according to documents the AP reviewed.

The push to upgrade security began in earnest after bombings of the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania a decade ago. The attacks killed 231 people, including 12 Americans. The security effort took on new urgency after strikes of Sept. 11, 2001, which led to government-wide vulnerability reviews.

The results so far suggest there is a long way to go to bring all the roughly 265 embassies and consulates up to standard.

The State Department says it will need about $7.5 billion to construct buildings at around 50 posts and $850 million for "major rehabilitation" at 40 others through 2013. The figures are in the department's Long-Range Overseas Buildings Plan that was sent to Congress last week.

more...

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/06/22/ap_billions_more_needed_to_secure_us_embassies/

[NewJeffCT]

1. But, if we improved their security

They'd be less vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and then how would they keep the populace in fear if there were fewer terror attacks?

[KharmaTrain]

2. Another Patronage Boondoogle

Not long ago I was listening to a dicussion of how bad off our diplomatic corp is. If you think boooshie politicized "Homeland Security", that was nothing compared to what's gone on in the State Department. A good example was the selection and "confirmation" (recess appointment) of Saul Fox...a slime boat financer to an amabassadorship.

The person said that our embassies either are country clubs run by big money "diplomats" who are enjoying a 4 or 6 or 8 year government paid vacation while other embassies are hard-pressed to deal with much of anything. They have few real diplomats who can deal with negotiations or intervene in issues involving American citizens abroad and the international disdain of this regime has just made things worse. Americans traveling abroad don't realize how vulnerable they are...the U.S. Embassy probably won't do much to help you...unless you're also a big money donor.