Monday, September 17, 2012

Panetta: Military capabilities 'enhanced'

Pakistani activists shout slogans in Islamabad on Sunday, September 16.Pakistani activists shout slogans in Islamabad on Sunday, September 16.
Pakistani protestors hold banners and shout anti-U.S. slogans in Karachi on Sunday.Pakistani protestors hold banners and shout anti-U.S. slogans in Karachi on Sunday.
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand near a burning police van during an anti-U.S. protest organized by Pakistani Shiite Muslims in Karachi on Sunday.Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand near a burning police van during an anti-U.S. protest organized by Pakistani Shiite Muslims in Karachi on Sunday.
Supporters of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa shout anti-U.S. slogans during a rally against an anti-Islam movie in Lahore, Pakistan, on Sunday.Supporters of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa shout anti-U.S. slogans during a rally against an anti-Islam movie in Lahore, Pakistan, on Sunday.
A protester climbs on a gate of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday.A protester climbs on a gate of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday.
Pakistani protesters march toward the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.Pakistani protesters march toward the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
Protesters attack a police van outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.Protesters attack a police van outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
Pakistani police fire tear gas shells toward the protesters in Karachi on Sunday.Pakistani police fire tear gas shells toward the protesters in Karachi on Sunday.
An Afghan youth shouts slogans during an anti-U.S. protest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sunday.An Afghan youth shouts slogans during an anti-U.S. protest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sunday.
Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, head of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa, addresses supporters in Lahore on Sunday.Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, head of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa, addresses supporters in Lahore on Sunday.
A protester hits a policeman with a pole in Sydney's central business district on Saturday, September 15. Anger over an anti-Islam video, "The Innocence of Muslims," spread to Australia on Saturday, and protesters took to the streets of the country's capital.A protester hits a policeman with a pole in Sydney's central business district on Saturday, September 15. Anger over an anti-Islam video, "The Innocence of Muslims," spread to Australia on Saturday, and protesters took to the streets of the country's capital.
A man assists a young protester after capsicum spray was used by police near the U.S. Consulate General in central Sydney on Saturday.A man assists a young protester after capsicum spray was used by police near the U.S. Consulate General in central Sydney on Saturday.
 A policeman, injured by protesters, is assisted by colleagues in central Sydney on Saturday.A policeman, injured by protesters, is assisted by colleagues in central Sydney on Saturday.
A Tunisian firefighter works inside a destroyed school building in the grounds of the American school in Tunis, Tunisia, on Saturday. Four people were killed and almost 50 injured in an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis the day before by protesters angry over an anti-Islam film, the health ministry said. A Tunisian firefighter works inside a destroyed school building in the grounds of the American school in Tunis, Tunisia, on Saturday. Four people were killed and almost 50 injured in an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis the day before by protesters angry over an anti-Islam film, the health ministry said.
A burned bus sits in the grounds of the American school in Tunis on Saturday.A burned bus sits in the grounds of the American school in Tunis on Saturday.
A woman collects books from a classroom in the American school in Tunis on Saturday.A woman collects books from a classroom in the American school in Tunis on Saturday.
Muslim protesters holding shoes and brooms shout anti-U.S. slogans on Saturday during a protest against the film they consider blasphemous to Islam near the U.S. Consulate-General in Chennai, India.Muslim protesters holding shoes and brooms shout anti-U.S. slogans on Saturday during a protest against the film they consider blasphemous to Islam near the U.S. Consulate-General in Chennai, India.
Supporters of Islamic political party Jamaat-e-Islami shout slogans during a protest on Saturday in Khyber Agency, Pakistan. The Pakistani parliament passed a resolution on Thursday condemning "The Innocence of Muslims" and urged the U.S. to take appropriate action. Supporters of Islamic political party Jamaat-e-Islami shout slogans during a protest on Saturday in Khyber Agency, Pakistan. The Pakistani parliament passed a resolution on Thursday condemning "The Innocence of Muslims" and urged the U.S. to take appropriate action.
Supporters of Islamic political party Jamaat-e-Islami shout slogans during a protest in Khyber Agency on Saturday.Supporters of Islamic political party Jamaat-e-Islami shout slogans during a protest in Khyber Agency on Saturday.
Pakistani Muslims burn a U.S. flag during a protest rally in Islamabad on Saturday. The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday issued a call to young Muslims worldwide and within the country to rise up against an anti-Islam movie. Pakistani Muslims burn a U.S. flag during a protest rally in Islamabad on Saturday. The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday issued a call to young Muslims worldwide and within the country to rise up against an anti-Islam movie.
Mourners shout slogans during the funeral of a protester who was killed two days ago during clashes with security forces at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday . According to media reports, at least four people were killed when hundreds of Yemeni protesters stormed the embassy on Wednesday.Mourners shout slogans during the funeral of a protester who was killed two days ago during clashes with security forces at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday . According to media reports, at least four people were killed when hundreds of Yemeni protesters stormed the embassy on Wednesday.
Smoke billows from the burning German Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, as a policeman stands next to a man preparing to extinguish the fire caused by protesters the anti-Islam film. Around 5,000 protesters in the Sudanese capital stormed the embassies of Britain and Germany, which were torched and badly damaged.Smoke billows from the burning German Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, as a policeman stands next to a man preparing to extinguish the fire caused by protesters the anti-Islam film. Around 5,000 protesters in the Sudanese capital stormed the embassies of Britain and Germany, which were torched and badly damaged.
 A Sudanese protester, right, takes off his clothes to show policemen that he is unarmed during a protest in Khartoum on Friday. Two protesters were killed as security forces used tear gas against thousands of demonstrators trying to approach the U.S. mission after storming the British and German embassies.A Sudanese protester, right, takes off his clothes to show policemen that he is unarmed during a protest in Khartoum on Friday. Two protesters were killed as security forces used tear gas against thousands of demonstrators trying to approach the U.S. mission after storming the British and German embassies.
A Jordanian protester holds an Islamic book near the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on Friday. Hundreds of members of Jordanian Salafi Movement gathered after Friday noon prayers in protest of a controversial anti-Islam film.A Jordanian protester holds an Islamic book near the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on Friday. Hundreds of members of Jordanian Salafi Movement gathered after Friday noon prayers in protest of a controversial anti-Islam film.
Police stand guard near protesters near the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney on Saturday, September 15.Police stand guard near protesters near the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney on Saturday, September 15.
Protesters clash with police on a street in Sydney's central business district on Saturday.Protesters clash with police on a street in Sydney's central business district on Saturday.
Indian policemen walk past smashed windows of the U.S. Consulate building, caused by a mob of demonstrators protesting against an anti-Islam film, in Chennai, India, on Friday, September 14.Indian policemen walk past smashed windows of the U.S. Consulate building, caused by a mob of demonstrators protesting against an anti-Islam film, in Chennai, India, on Friday, September 14.
Tunisian protesters try to storm the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Friday.Tunisian protesters try to storm the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Friday.
A Tunisian protester holds an Al-Qaeda affiliated flag amid the smoke coming from the tear gas fired by riot police outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Friday.A Tunisian protester holds an Al-Qaeda affiliated flag amid the smoke coming from the tear gas fired by riot police outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Friday.
Yemeni riot policemen stand guard at a crossroad leading to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday.Yemeni riot policemen stand guard at a crossroad leading to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday.
Yemeni protesters burn a U.S. flag on a street leading to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday, September 14.Yemeni protesters burn a U.S. flag on a street leading to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday, September 14.
Yemeni protesters shout during a demonstration near the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday.Yemeni protesters shout during a demonstration near the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Friday.
Yemeni protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by riot police in Sanaa on Friday.Yemeni protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by riot police in Sanaa on Friday.
Jordanian protesters burn a U.S. flag near the U.S. Embassy in Amman on Friday.Jordanian protesters burn a U.S. flag near the U.S. Embassy in Amman on Friday.
Jordanian protesters shout in Amman on Friday.Jordanian protesters shout in Amman on Friday.
Israeli police officers stand behind their shields during clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian protesters in a demonstration against an anti-Islam film in front of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday.Israeli police officers stand behind their shields during clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian protesters in a demonstration against an anti-Islam film in front of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday.
Israeli police arrest a Palestinian protester on Friday.Israeli police arrest a Palestinian protester on Friday.
Boys inspect fast food chains Hardee's and KFC after they were torched during a protest in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Friday.Boys inspect fast food chains Hardee's and KFC after they were torched during a protest in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Friday.
Bangladeshi Muslims attempt to break a police barricade during a protest in Dhaka on Friday.Bangladeshi Muslims attempt to break a police barricade during a protest in Dhaka on Friday.
Supporters of Jamat ud Dawa shout during a protest against an anti-Islam video in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday.Supporters of Jamat ud Dawa shout during a protest against an anti-Islam video in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday.
A Muslim protester defaces a mural on a wall of the U.S. Consulate in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday.A Muslim protester defaces a mural on a wall of the U.S. Consulate in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday.
Muslim protesters burn a U.S. flag outside the U.S. Consulate in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday.Muslim protesters burn a U.S. flag outside the U.S. Consulate in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Friday.
Muslim protesters shout outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday.Muslim protesters shout outside the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday.
Pakistani soldiers hold back protesters attempting to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Friday.Pakistani soldiers hold back protesters attempting to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Friday.
An Egyptian protester throws a tear gas canister toward riot police during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Friday.An Egyptian protester throws a tear gas canister toward riot police during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Friday.
A Sudanese demonstrator burns a German flag after torching the German Embassy in Khartoum on Friday.A Sudanese demonstrator burns a German flag after torching the German Embassy in Khartoum on Friday.
Protesters throw stones toward riot police during clashes along a road leading to the U.S. Embassy near Tahrir Square in Cairo on Friday, September 14.Protesters throw stones toward riot police during clashes along a road leading to the U.S. Embassy near Tahrir Square in Cairo on Friday, September 14.
A riot police officer shouts a warning during clashes in Cairo on Friday. A riot police officer shouts a warning during clashes in Cairo on Friday.
Protesters chant during a march to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday, September 13. One protester was killed in clashes when Yemeni security forces dispersed hundreds of demonstrators who gathered around and inside the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa.Protesters chant during a march to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday, September 13. One protester was killed in clashes when Yemeni security forces dispersed hundreds of demonstrators who gathered around and inside the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa.
A protester shouts after sustaining injuries in a confrontation with riot police who fired tear gas outside the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Thursday.A protester shouts after sustaining injuries in a confrontation with riot police who fired tear gas outside the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Thursday.
Protesters carry flags that read "There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is Allah's messenger" and chant during a protest in Tripoli, Lebanon, on Thursday.Protesters carry flags that read "There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is Allah's messenger" and chant during a protest in Tripoli, Lebanon, on Thursday.
Palestinians protest the movie "Innocence of Muslims" in front of the Legislative Council in Gaza City on Thursday.Palestinians protest the movie "Innocence of Muslims" in front of the Legislative Council in Gaza City on Thursday.
Iranian demonstrators chant anti-American slogans during a demonstration on Thursday in front of the Swiss Embassy, which serves as the U.S. interests section in Iran, in Tehran.Iranian demonstrators chant anti-American slogans during a demonstration on Thursday in front of the Swiss Embassy, which serves as the U.S. interests section in Iran, in Tehran.
An Iranian police officer shows a victory sign during Thursday's demonstration in Tehran.An Iranian police officer shows a victory sign during Thursday's demonstration in Tehran.
Supporters of Sunni Muslim Salafist leader Ahmad al-Assir burn Israeli and U.S. flags during a protest in Sidon, Lebanon, on Thursday.Supporters of Sunni Muslim Salafist leader Ahmad al-Assir burn Israeli and U.S. flags during a protest in Sidon, Lebanon, on Thursday.
Kuwaiti police stand guard as hundreds of demonstrators protest near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on Thursday.Kuwaiti police stand guard as hundreds of demonstrators protest near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on Thursday.
Arab-Israeli men wave green Islamic flags with the Muslim profession of belief: "There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God" during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy on Thursday in Tel Aviv, Israel.Arab-Israeli men wave green Islamic flags with the Muslim profession of belief: "There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God" during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy on Thursday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Egyptian protesters throw stones at riot police during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Thursday.Egyptian protesters throw stones at riot police during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Thursday.
 Riot police take cover from stones thrown by protesters on Thursday.Riot police take cover from stones thrown by protesters on Thursday.
Egyptian protesters help a man who inhaled tear gas during clashes at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Thursday.Egyptian protesters help a man who inhaled tear gas during clashes at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Thursday.
A burned-out pickup sits between Egyptian protesters and riot police in Cairo on Thursday.A burned-out pickup sits between Egyptian protesters and riot police in Cairo on Thursday.
Egyptian protesters take cover during clashes with riot police on Thursday.Egyptian protesters take cover during clashes with riot police on Thursday.
An Egyptian protester wears a makeshift mask and helmet for protection while fighting riot police on Thursday.An Egyptian protester wears a makeshift mask and helmet for protection while fighting riot police on Thursday.
Egyptian protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by riot police during clashes on Thursday.Egyptian protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by riot police during clashes on Thursday.
An Egyptian riot police officer fires tear gas toward protesters during clashes Thursday with police near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. An Egyptian riot police officer fires tear gas toward protesters during clashes Thursday with police near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Iraqi protesters burn Israeli and U.S. flags during a protest Thursday. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three others were killed during a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday.Iraqi protesters burn Israeli and U.S. flags during a protest Thursday. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three others were killed during a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Tuesday.
Egyptian protesters clash with riot police Thursday near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.Egyptian protesters clash with riot police Thursday near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Iranians protest against a film mocking Islam near the Swiss Embassy in Tehran on Thursday. Up to 500 people chanted "Death to America!" and death to the director of the movie, which was made in the United States. The demonstration ended peacefully in two hours.Iranians protest against a film mocking Islam near the Swiss Embassy in Tehran on Thursday. Up to 500 people chanted "Death to America!" and death to the director of the movie, which was made in the United States. The demonstration ended peacefully in two hours.
An Egyptian protester throws a tear gas canister at riot police Thursday during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.An Egyptian protester throws a tear gas canister at riot police Thursday during clashes near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Police use tear gas on crowds protesting Thursday outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.Police use tear gas on crowds protesting Thursday outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames Tuesday, September 11.The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames Tuesday, September 11.
A vehicle and the surrounding area are engulfed in flames after it was set on fire inside the compound on Tuesday.A vehicle and the surrounding area are engulfed in flames after it was set on fire inside the compound on Tuesday.
A protester reacts as the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames Tuesday night. A protester reacts as the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames Tuesday night.
Yemeni protesters gather around a fire Thursday during a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Sanaa. Yemeni forces fired warning shots to disperse the thousands of protesters approaching the main gate of the mission.Yemeni protesters gather around a fire Thursday during a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Sanaa. Yemeni forces fired warning shots to disperse the thousands of protesters approaching the main gate of the mission.
Yemeni protesters try to break the security camera at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Thursday.Yemeni protesters try to break the security camera at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa on Thursday.
Egyptians shout slogans during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.Egyptians shout slogans during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Egyptian protesters gather in front of the U.S. Embassy the morning after it was vandalized by protesters during a demonstration on Wednesday in Cairo.Egyptian protesters gather in front of the U.S. Embassy the morning after it was vandalized by protesters during a demonstration on Wednesday in Cairo.
Protesters shout outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia, on Wednesday, September 12. Protesters shout outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia, on Wednesday, September 12.
A group of protesters attend a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Wednesday.A group of protesters attend a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis on Wednesday.
A demonstrator walks on a U.S. flag during a Wednesday's demonstration at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis.A demonstrator walks on a U.S. flag during a Wednesday's demonstration at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis.
People inspect the damage at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Wednesday, the day after four people were killed.People inspect the damage at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Wednesday, the day after four people were killed.
Egyptian demonstrators continue to stake out the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Wednesday. Egyptian demonstrators continue to stake out the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Wednesday.
Police confront protesters praying in front of the U.S. Embassy in Casablanca, Morocco, during a rally against the anti-Islam film on Wednesday.Police confront protesters praying in front of the U.S. Embassy in Casablanca, Morocco, during a rally against the anti-Islam film on Wednesday.
Moroccan women gather near the U.S. Embassy in Casablanca on Wednesday.Moroccan women gather near the U.S. Embassy in Casablanca on Wednesday.
A Palestinian man holds a placard praising Islam's prophet Mohammed during a demonstration against the film on Wednesday in front of the United Nations headquarters in Gaza City.A Palestinian man holds a placard praising Islam's prophet Mohammed during a demonstration against the film on Wednesday in front of the United Nations headquarters in Gaza City.
Palestinian men burn the American flag during Wednesday's demonstration in Gaza City.Palestinian men burn the American flag during Wednesday's demonstration in Gaza City.
A man waves his rifle as buildings and cars are engulfed in flames inside the U.S. Consulate compound in Benghazi, Libya, late on Tuesday, September 11.A man waves his rifle as buildings and cars are engulfed in flames inside the U.S. Consulate compound in Benghazi, Libya, late on Tuesday, September 11.
The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is set on fire during a protest. Armed gunmen attacked the compound on Tuesday evening, clashing with Libyan security forces before the latter withdrew as they came under heavy fire. The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is set on fire during a protest. Armed gunmen attacked the compound on Tuesday evening, clashing with Libyan security forces before the latter withdrew as they came under heavy fire.
Protesters destroy an American flag pulled down from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.Protesters destroy an American flag pulled down from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
People stand around a drawing that says "Remember your black day 11 September" during the protest in Cairo.People stand around a drawing that says "Remember your black day 11 September" during the protest in Cairo.
People shout and light flares in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.People shout and light flares in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
People shout in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.People shout in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Protesters pull down a U.S. flag.Protesters pull down a U.S. flag.
Thousands were angered by the controversial film.Thousands were angered by the controversial film.
Demonstrators yell outside the U.S. Embassy.Demonstrators yell outside the U.S. Embassy.
Egyptian riot police stand guard as protesters climb down from the wall.Egyptian riot police stand guard as protesters climb down from the wall.
An Egyptian protester waves a black flag inscribed with the Muslim profession of faith -- "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the prophet of God" -- as he stands above the door of the U.S. Embassy.An Egyptian protester waves a black flag inscribed with the Muslim profession of faith -- "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the prophet of God" -- as he stands above the door of the U.S. Embassy.
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  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta talks to reporters en route to Asia
  • He says recent events reinforce the need for a strong military presence in the Mideast
  • U.S. military capabilities in the region have been "enhanced" in recent days, he says
  • Panetta praises Libyan officials' "strong effort" in response to a deadly attack

(CNN) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Sunday that American forces can "deal with any potential contingencies" in the Middle East, especially after the military's capabilities were recently "enhanced" after attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions.

Speaking to reporters en route to Tokyo, Panetta said recent unrest underscores the importance of having vibrant, flexible U.S. military capabilities in the region. That unrest includes an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, as well as violent protests near U.S. embassies in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia and elsewhere.

"The events of this week remind all of us of the need to maintain a strong presence in the Middle East," Panetta said.

More arrests in U.S. Consulate attack in Libya

Some of that comes from U.S. forces' extensive roots in the region, including bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and elsewhere. Those troops make it easier to respond to crises in the region, which Panetta acknowledged, as do other recent moves, which include calling on members of small Marine Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams, or FAST, teams and moving warships in the region.

"We have enhanced some of that presence with the FAST teams and others so that, if they are requested, they can respond more quickly," Panetta said.

"It's a combination of FAST teams plus some ships in the region that we have to try to give us the full capability we need in order to respond," he added, while noting the didn't "anticipate a situation right now where we would have to ... do this on our own."

Earlier this week, vigorous and sometimes violent protests broke out near U.S. embassies around the world over the "Innocence of Muslims," an obscure film mocking the Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and ruthless killer.

Two months after the film's trailer was posted online on YouTube, and days after it got attention in Egyptian media, Cairo residents first expressed their ire Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, with protests targeting the American embassy.

Outpourings soon spread like wildfire across the Muslim world. As a result, Western diplomats found themselves and their missions under siege, even as American leaders criticized the film and emphasized the U.S. government had nothing to do with it.

Afterward, U.S. officials said Marine FAST teams, with about 50 members each, were being dispatched to Libya, Sudan and Yemen to protect U.S. diplomatic missions in those countries.

But Sudanese officials rebuffed the U.S. plan to send in troops, insisting their own security forces could protect the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum. And Yemen's parliament issued a statement early Sunday vehemently opposing the presence of U.S. troops in the country.

One nation that hasn't voiced opposition to a small contingent of U.S. troops is Libya. Libyan officials have said they are cooperating closely with U.S. authorities in investigating Tuesday's attack in Benghazi, which they have strongly condemned.

"I'm convinced that they want to do everything possible to be able to respond to what happened there," Panetta said of Libyan officials. "And I think they are taking steps on the security side to provide better security. ... I think they are making a strong effort to try to respond to this crisis and try to deal with the issues involved."

Hezbollah calls for new film protests