On September 11, 2012, the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed after protesters stormed the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Anti-American protests then erupted in many other countries. If you’re seeking ways to address these events in the classroom, try the discussion guide below.
The Facts
According to NBC News, Wanis al-Sharef, an Interior Ministry official in Benghazi, Libya, reported that a large mob stormed the U.S. consulate there. A witness said attackers fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at the consulate as they clashed with Libyans hired to guard the facility.
What sparked the attack? Early reports indicated that “ultraconservative” Muslims became outraged when they learned that a film ridiculing Muhammad had been produced by Egyptian-born filmmaker Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who was living in California and was on probation for financial crimes. Muslim law forbids any depictions of Muhammad, who is regarded as a prophet and considered the most important figure in the faith.
Subsequently, The New York Times reported that violent and in some cases deadly anti-American protests had spread to nearly 20 countries across the Middle East and beyond. This political instability in the Middle East may be an unintended consequence of America’s support of efforts to remove autocratic leaders from power in the region.
More than a week following the attack, the White House officially deemed it an act of opportunistic (but not spontaneous) "terrorism," according to NBC News.
Student Discussion Questions
Article by Jason Tomaszewski, EducationWorld Associate Editor
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Copyright © 2012 Education World
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