The unconscionable attack against the United States Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, which killed four officials, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, must be condemned in the strongest terms possible and the official response should be swift but proportionate. The event underscores the reality that Libya remains in a perilously fragile state since the NATO military intervention over 18 months ago. This tragedy, however, is a reminder that discontent over U.S. policies is widespread throughout the Muslim world, due to an appreciable degree to the United States' inconsistent reaction to the Arab Spring. The revolution in Egypt was eventually embraced by the Obama administration while the unrest in Bahrain was forcefully subdued with the support of the Saudi military without the American unequivocal condemnation. While the U.S. and NATO allies were eager to intervene militarily in Libya, Western powers have proven inept in ending the Assad's regime merciless slaughter of his people in Syria. Moreover, the Arab perception of the United States' blind support of Israel at the expense of the Palestinians continues to foster hatred and distrust toward the United States. That said, regardless of what course the U.S. takes, extremist militant Islamist groups, especially Al- Qaeda, want to chase the U.S. out of the region and will continue to do whatever they can to undermine U.S. interests. The unsettling symbolism behind the killing of a top U.S. official transcends the tragic death of one person; it is a direct affront to the U.S. as the preeminent global power and what it stands for. In order to prevent such senseless violence as witnessed yesterday in Libya, the U.S. must consistently apply its professed ideas of democracy, liberty and human rights. Moreover, it must remain willing to work with the rising forces that stand on the side of their people and yearn for the values we hold true. Notwithstanding the American's inconsistent policies, it does not justify nor explain, in any way, the killing of an American official or any other innocent individual; it only suggests that when violence becomes the tool of choice to right the wrong it is fundamentally wrong and will only precipitate a continuing cycle of violence. **Dr. Alon Ben-Meir is an expert on Middle East politics and affairs, specialized in peace negotiations between Israel and the Arab states. For the past 25 years, he has been directly involved in various negotiations and has operated as a liaison between top Arab and Israeli officials.
