American Tribes

The election driven political squabbles over the tragic event in Libya in which that country's respected American ambassador and three of his staff were killed will, let's hope, abate soon so cooler, less partisan heads can sift the evidence and report back.

Meanwhile one way to consider the probable causes of the chain of events behind this most regrettable outcome is to think about tribes. Libya, like most African and middle eastern nations, is a tribal society. Their tribes have names and leaders and occupy known regions. Suppressed under Quaddafi, they formed militias and united long enough to dispose of him and his (tribal) henchmen with NATO help.

Then they mostly reverted to ancient and customary rivalries. The process of building a nation is underway but may take a generation to complete. One heartening signal that a new Libya may even be possible was that thousands of Libyans turned out to demonstrate their sorrow and anger over the death of our countrymen. How many places in the world -- or even here at home -- could such a gathering be possible?

Tribal thinking is an ancient as humankind, and is not confined to what we euphemistically refer to as "developing" nations. We have tribes, too, and not just on western reservations. What we refer to as "office politics" has its roots in olden tribal ways. Our every organization has its tribes, be it governmental, corporate, religious or merely suburban.

So, not surprisingly, does the U.S. State Department. Like every far flung organization its every field office is a tribe while its headquarters (Called Foggy Bottom for where it sits in Washington) is a nest of contending tribes. The old adage, "Where you stand depends on where you sit," applies here. Rivalry between the center and the outposts is endemic.

That urgent request for more security sent to State from the Libyan outpost was in all probability not the only one received that day. As with many other such requests from around the world it was at bottom a bid for more money. Like the Navy headquarters where I worked for 20 years, first thoughts were no doubt: Do they really need this? How much? and Where -- and who -- do we take it from?

Lost in the instant accusations of an inept response by Washington to the Libyan outpost's request, was that the request wasn't refused. Marines traditionally guard our diplomats abroad, usually with efficiency and success. Lately State has used contract civilians, especially in Iraq, not always with great success. Neither resource is instantly available, however.

Washington's immediate answer, only occasionally noted by the press, was to suggest that the embassy hire Libyans. From a headquarters viewpoint this was brilliant. Locals would cost less, speak the language and can use the work. Red tape involved in requisitioning Marines from the Defense Department or contracting with the private sector is avoided.

Back in Libya this dismaying answer no doubt raised more questions: Which Libyans? Who will talk to them? Train them? Trust them? Even with email this back and forth takes time.

Diplomats have two contradictory jobs. One is to represent American abroad. The other is to stay safe. Outreach vs vigilance. It takes diplomacy, which takes time, is defensive and can only react to the unexpected offense.

Conclusion: these tragedies will happen from time to time.  They are nobody's fault but someone has to take the responsibility.  No doubt the Republicans would like to fire Hillary.  But first they will have to get the American people to fire Obama.  Then they will get another chance to change human nature.