A little historical context from a former intern at the US Embassy in London (me)...
...the relocation is all about security. the old embassy is a security nightmare because it’s right against the streets
....and after the 98 truck bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, they couldn’t live with that anymore...
... as an intern in the 90’s it was a nice open spot. You could easily walk to the Burger King for lunch (embassy employee discount)...
...in 99 when i went back to the embassy as an emergency “customer” in need, it was still very open. Was treated kindly and efficiently...
...Went back again in ‘09 for work and it was totally different. Had to enter a claustrophobic cage built outside for security screening...
...basically, to step onto US soil you had to spend a little time in jail. This is what some call “Fortress America” diplomacy...
...the move was about security, but the president who talks nonstop about security threats now says real estate prices matter more. End
