Quote Originally Posted by Tom Odom View Post
Sometimes you have to make the call to put lives over image;
I've never thought that these decisions are either save lives or save image. The actions and words should be integrated so as to reinforce each other and do both.

We know that AQ has been trying to spin our drawdown from Iraq as an AQ victory but no one is buying, even in the most virulent websites, because it is so dissociated from reality. They will try to do the same with any weakness (perceived or otherwise) we show in the region. That weakness will be used to build their cred with potential recruits and to gain funding.

Better to tell the population something like: "There is a credible threat from AQ who would not refrain from killing innocent Muslim civilians in their efforts to attack us. Particularly vulnerable would be the people lined up for visas, so in response to AQ's demonstrated callous disregard for human life, we will restrict consular activities for X period to appointments only in order to minimize the threat to the people while continuing to provide necessary services."

The result is that the Embassy remains open, no one can say we were intimidated by AQ and we demonstrate our compassion and resolve to aid the YM people -- AQ is the bad guy and we are the compassionate, resolute ones which has the added benefit of being actually true. Even if we only service a handful of YM's, it doesn't matter. We turn the tables on AQ, we make our point, and we safeguard our people.