# Protesters storm US embasy...in Cairo?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 11, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420 "2012-09-11T18:53:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/121 "2012-09-12T21:42:13Z")
I like the reaction from the Israeli Foreign Ministry: > [@](#): > > Yigal Palmor, the spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, said in a telephoned statement: “Nobody knows who he is. He is totally unknown in filmmaking circles in Israel. And anything he did — he is not doing it for Israel, or with Israel, or through Israel in any way.” Mr. Palmor also called the filmmaker “a complete loose cannon and an unspeakable idiot.” ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2012, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/122 "2012-09-12T22:01:05Z")
Just in: a rundown on all that’s been published about Bacile and Kline thus far: [**Mystery Man Behind The Anti-Muslim Film Blamed For Attacks**](http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/sam_bacile_film_embassy_attacks.php) > [@](#): > > “I don’t know that much about him,” Klein said. “I met him, I spoke to him for an hour. He’s not Israeli, no. I can tell you this for sure, the State of Israel is not involved, Terry Jones (the radical Christian Quran-burning pastor) is not involved. His name is a pseudonym. All these Middle Eastern folks I work with have pseudonyms. I doubt he’s Jewish. I would suspect this is a disinformation campaign.” > > Klein’s comments to Goldberg contradict reports from the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, which both claimed to have spoken with Bacile on Tuesday. > > In one report, the AP identified Bacile as an American citizen who spoke from a phone with a California number and with an “Egyptian accent.” The AP reported that Bacile declined to answer when asked if he was of Egyptian origin, and added that Bacile said “the full film has not been shown yet … and he said he has declined distribution offers for now.” > > A second AP report, however, described Bacile as a 56-year-old “California real estate developer who identifies himself as an Israeli Jew.” In that report, the AP said Bacile claimed the film was made in three months in the summer of 2011, with the help of 59 actors and 46 people behind the camera, at a cost of $5 million, and with financing by more than 100 Jewish donors. Klein told the AP for that story that Bacile was concerned for family members that live in Egypt, and the report stated that Bacile had gone into hiding and had spoken “from an undisclosed location.” > > The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, reported that Bacile was 52 years old, and described him as “Israeli-American.” The Journal said that Bacile was interviewed from his home phone. > > \ > > TPM’s attempts to reach Klein were not successful, but in a 2007 interview with a Yahoo! Contributor Network writer, he is described as a former Marine, Vietnam veteran and founder of a group called Courageous Christians United, where he is still listed as secretary. The group claims that it “exists to boldly and respectfully defend traditional Christianity against cults,” and it currently manages a website that refutes Islam, Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. And here’s a link to Klein’s site: [**Courageous Christians United**](http://www.courageouschristiansunited.org/). Enter at your own peril. I have yet to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2012, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/123 "2012-09-12T23:11:32Z")
What about the poor guy who was caught wearing a turban right after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks? His murder didn’t have anything to do with what the murderer _thought_ the victim’s religion was? ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2012, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/124 "2012-09-12T23:45:46Z")
> [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](#): > > So not only is this guy a [expletive deleted because this is GD], he’s also a coward. IF you’re going to put out [expletive deleted] like this the least you can do is stand up and own it, instead of hiding like a coward. That alone shows what kind of person this guy is. Someone who doesn’t want to be murdered by terrorists? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/125 "2012-09-12T23:53:02Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Even today–at least, if the so-called documentaries on TV can be believed–merely marching through some neighborhoods while carrying a particular flag can provoke violence. > [@Monty](#): > > In post #68, I meant that one could provoke violence _in Northern Ireland_ by merely marching through some neighborhoods. And it would be enough for the flag to say “Guinness sux! Drink Budweiser!” ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/126 "2012-09-13T00:02:19Z")
> [@Grumman](#): > > Someone who doesn’t want to be murdered by terrorists? But is apparently fine with getting _other_ people murdered by terrorists. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/127 "2012-09-13T01:21:32Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > [Maybe.](http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/12/CBS-Reports-Libyan-Security-Forces-Showed-Militants-Where-to-Attack-Our-Ambassador) > Even assuming the guy was Ambassador Stevens, this doesn’t also mean the Libyan security forces were complicit in the assault. But if they were, then the Libyan government—such as it is—better do a whole lot more to apologize than, “Whoops, it was a mob; sorry we can’t find them.” > > I hope your boy comes home safe, **pinkyvee**. And I hope that the thugs who did this are brought to justice. Hm, there are several pretty recognizable faces in the mob, including the one dragging the Ambassador. I think that at least a few can specifically be identified and tracked down. It is pretty difficult to claim you weren’t there when the body pretty much has your fingerprints all over it. Not to mention, I wonder who’s phone is in the guys mouth? ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/128 "2012-09-13T01:26:00Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > they could just tape episodes of The Family guy, The Simpsons or Southpark for free. I’m sensing that the Benghazi attack had little to do with the flick but rather a coordinated jihadist operation. * * * As for mystery man, Bacile, he should be easy enough to find now that the ‘actors’ in the ‘movie’ have [released a statement saying they were misled](http://gawker.com/5942748). All 80 of them. Misled? Dumb fucks. * * * As for Joe Klein, here’s a really long story about him, something called Church of Kaweah and a whole bunch of other sick right wing militant loathsome assholes. Getting ready for WAR no less. [Church at Kaweah Spreads Hateful, Militant Christian Views](http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2012/spring/onward-christian-soldiers) Worth a read if only to confirm what many have already said: _all_ extremists are fucked in the head. Don’t give a shit who they worship. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/129 "2012-09-13T01:32:11Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > I’m sensing that the Benghazi attack had little to do with the flick but rather a coordinated jihadist operation. Agreed. Moreover, many are theorizing based on statements by Al Quaeda figures that this was revenge for the killing of Abu Yahya Al-Libi(AKA the Lion of Libya) who after Zawahiri, was the second most important figure in Al Quaeda. For those wondering, the name above is an alias and “Al-Libi” means “the Libyan”. In short, it had nothing to do with a movie. > [@](#): > > As for Joe Klein, here’s a really long story about him, something called Church of Kaweah and a whole bunch of other sick right wing militant loathsome assholes. Getting ready for WAR no less. I think you mean Steve Klein(which is a really odd name for a Christian fundamentalist). ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/130 "2012-09-13T01:48:17Z")
Yeah, Steve. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe ‘Klein’ (the part you find odd) could be both German & Jewish, and/or just one of the two. So it’s plausible he’s of German ancestry but not Jewish I guess. In any event, doesn’t much matter to me either way – guy’s still a bigoted, self-described Xtian fundie nutbar. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/131 "2012-09-13T01:55:45Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > Hm, there are several pretty recognizable faces in the mob, including the one dragging the Ambassador. I think that at least a few can specifically be identified and tracked down. It is pretty difficult to claim you weren’t there when the body pretty much has your fingerprints all over it. Not to mention, I wonder who’s phone is in the guys mouth? Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions. From what I hear (and apparently [Hillary Clinton](http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81108.html) also said as much), the persons in the picture were Lybian citizens dragging the Ambassador to safety and trying to help him, not throwing him to the wolves. Which would explain the cell phones. [QUOTE=Hillary Clinton] Everywhere Chris and his team went in Libya, in a country scarred by war and tyranny, they were hailed as friends and partners. And when the attack came yesterday, Libyans stood and fought to defend our post. Some were wounded. Libyans carried Chris’ body to the hospital, and they helped rescue and lead other Americans to safety. And last night, when I spoke with the President of Libya, he strongly condemned the violence and pledged every effort to protect our people and pursue those responsible. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/132 "2012-09-13T02:34:04Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > I’m sensing that the Benghazi attack had little to do with the flick but rather a coordinated jihadist operation. —Well keep sensing because they’re back protesting again. > [@RedFury](#): > > As for mystery man, Bacile, he should be easy enough to find now that the ‘actors’ in the ‘movie’ have [released a statement saying they were misled](http://gawker.com/5942748). All 80 of them. > > Misled? Dumb fucks. Well make up your mind, either it was a coordinated attack or the result of the film. And while you’re at it, explain why the actors are dumb fucks. I listed 3 of the most popular cartoons running on TV that routinely make fun of various religions. Are the producers of these shows dumb fucks too? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/133 "2012-09-13T02:38:17Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > As for mystery man, Bacile, he should be easy enough to find now that the ‘actors’ in the ‘movie’ have [released a statement saying they were misled](http://gawker.com/5942748). All 80 of them. > > Misled? Dumb fucks. Um. From that article: > [@](#): > > The words Muhammed were dubbed over in post-production, as were essentially all other offensive references to Islam and Muhammed. How does not knowing beforehand that words would be put in their mouths make them “dumb fucks”? ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/134 "2012-09-13T02:48:47Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > —Well keep sensing because they’re back protesting again. Got a map handy? 'cause the on-going protests and the current hotspot is in Cairo. Now, look for Benghazi. Found it? Quite a ways away, right. A different _country_ even. Imagine that. :rolleyes: As for what I sensed, it has now been confirmed by CNN. Pretty good sense I’d say. > [@](#): > > Well make up your mind, either it was a coordinated attack or the result of the film. And while you’re at it, explain why the actors are dumb fucks. I listed 3 of the most popular cartoons running on TV that routinely make fun of various religions. Are the producers of these shows dumb fucks too? Can you still see Benghazi? _That’s_ where the planned attack took place. Now look at Cairo…yup, you got it, _that’s_ where the mob took the film bait. Glad I could clear that up for you. As for the ‘actors’…well, it goes without saying you’d have to be pretty dumb to make that turd and NOT know what you were involved in. What the shows you listed and that piece of garbage have in common, I have no idea. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/135 "2012-09-13T02:52:55Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Um. From that article: > > How does not knowing beforehand that words would be put in their mouths make them “dumb fucks”? From the article: if they have you saying a line such as “is your God a child molester?” and surround you with brown-painted people while openly mocking them and you know they are playing Muslims (or you are)…yup, I am pretty sure I’d realize I was involved in something shady (no pun intended). Obviously, now that the shit hit the fan, they are trying to backpedal like crazy. I am not buying the faux outrage. Obviously, you are free to make your own purchase. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/136 "2012-09-13T03:04:07Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > Got a map handy? 'cause the on-going protests and the current hotspot is in Cairo. Now, look for Benghazi. Found it? Quite a ways away, right. A different _country_ even. > > Imagine that. :rolleyes: [Cairo Embassy](http://rt.com/news/cairo-clashes-us-embassy-013/). Just like yesterday. > [@RedFury](#): > > What the shows you listed and that piece of garbage have in common, I have no idea. I stated it in my post. The cartoons are blasphemous toward various religions. This was what the people protested about at the embassies in regards to the movie. What don’t you understand? I don’t believe you when you say you have no idea. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/137 "2012-09-13T03:11:34Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > But is apparently fine with getting _other_ people murdered by terrorists. well then we should just shut the internet down to appease every islamo-terrorist happy because there’s an unlimited source of insults on it. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/138 "2012-09-13T03:18:02Z")
Friday prayers should give an indication of what direction these protests take. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/139 "2012-09-13T03:28:30Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > From the article: if they have you saying a line such as “is your God a child molester?” and surround you with brown-painted people while openly mocking them and you know they are playing Muslims (or you are)…yup, I am pretty sure I’d realize I was involved in something shady (no pun intended). That’s **Der Trihs** ’ point: they conceivably could have not known they were playing Muslims or Muhammad, nor saying any such line. That’s what post-production is: doing stuff to film \*after \*it was filmed. Stuff such as extensively re-dubbing lines (e.g. when movies are localized). ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2012, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420/140 "2012-09-13T03:29:12Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > well then we should just shut the internet down to appease every islamo-terrorist happy because there’s an unlimited source of insults on it. No; but neither should we refuse to criticize people who deliberately try to provoke violence. Free speech is not a synonym for freedom from criticism, no matter how much the Right likes to claim it is when they succeed in getting people killed with their rabble rousing. And I fail to see how remaining silent in order to avoid criticizing Christian fanatics is morally superior to remaining silent to avoid angering Islamic fanatics. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesters-storm-us-embasy-in-cairo/634420.md?page=8)