In a country where anti-American demonstrations break out, there are two choices: “fight or flight”, to stretch a phrase. Either fortify the embassies and import “defense forces” (as the HASC would appear to favor), or “GTFO” and avoid needless conflict and bloodshed. Close the embassy, evacuate all Americans, and issue a State Department travel advisory for that country. (After all, we’re free to travel, right?)
Now which seems the simpler, more elegant, more effective solution?