Editorial: Ensuring the security of embassies overseas

When terrorists bombed U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania last August and killed more than 220 people, it wasn't the first time that U.S. embassies or military installations were attacked with deadly results. But the bombings did show how precarious security is at American embassies and the need for a reassessment of how to protect U.S. missions overseas.

According to a report in Monday's New York Times, the Clinton administration is planning to seek more than $3 billion over the next five years to fortify and retool its embassies. The amount, however, is not as ambitious as that recommended by a commission formed in the wake of the bombings. The panel, headed by William Crowe, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and ex-ambassador to Britain, called for a $10-$12 billion upgrade.

Along with more funding, the administration wants to create a new, high-level task force run by Crowe that will help determine security priorities. While the administration's funding request is a start, the administration and congressional leaders need to seriously ask themselves if this is enough to do the job.

Admittedly embassies can't be isolated from the countries they are located in, but every reasonable step should be taken so that Americans representing the United States aren't open targets for terrorists.

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