U.S. defense secretary notes ‘enhanced’ capabilities amid Mideast unrest

the CNN Wire Staff
Updated 9:12 PM EDT, Sun September 16, 2012
Pakistani demonstrators beat an effigy of Florida pastor Terry Jones during a protest against an anti-Islam film in Lahore on Monday, September 24. More than 50 people have died around the world in violence linked to protests against the low-budget movie, which mocks Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, since the first demonstrations erupted on September 11. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/world/photography/index.html">See more of CNN's best photography</a>.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani demonstrators beat an effigy of Florida pastor Terry Jones during a protest against an anti-Islam film in Lahore on Monday, September 24. More than 50 people have died around the world in violence linked to protests against the low-budget movie, which mocks Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, since the first demonstrations erupted on September 11. See more of CNN's best photography.
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Philippine Muslims gather coins they collected from the provinces to be used to pay for filing a petition before the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila on Monday asking for local authorities to ban the controversial "Innocence of Muslims" film from being posted on the Internet. Hundreds of Muslim protesters in the Philippines called for a ban on the film before the U.S. Embassy.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Philippine Muslims gather coins they collected from the provinces to be used to pay for filing a petition before the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila on Monday asking for local authorities to ban the controversial "Innocence of Muslims" film from being posted on the Internet. Hundreds of Muslim protesters in the Philippines called for a ban on the film before the U.S. Embassy.
AFP/Getty Images
A woman speaks on a megaphone prior to filing a petiion before the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila on Monday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A woman speaks on a megaphone prior to filing a petiion before the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila on Monday.
AFP/Getty Images
On Monday Pakistani Muslim demonstrators shout anti-US slogans during a protest in Quetta.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
On Monday Pakistani Muslim demonstrators shout anti-US slogans during a protest in Quetta.
AFP/Getty Images
Sri Lankan Muslims shout slogans against U.S President Barack Obama at a protest in Colombo on Monday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Sri Lankan Muslims shout slogans against U.S President Barack Obama at a protest in Colombo on Monday.
Reuters/Landov
Muslim students protest in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Monday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Muslim students protest in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Monday.
EPA/Landov
Muslim protesters pray in Omonia Square in central Athens, Greece, during a demonstration on Sunday. Clashes broke out as Muslims staged a demonstration in the square, to be followed by a march to the U.S. Embassy, in protest of the film.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Muslim protesters pray in Omonia Square in central Athens, Greece, during a demonstration on Sunday. Clashes broke out as Muslims staged a demonstration in the square, to be followed by a march to the U.S. Embassy, in protest of the film.
AFP/Getty Images
Protesters smashed the windows of a store during a demonstration in central Athens.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Protesters smashed the windows of a store during a demonstration in central Athens.
AFP/Getty Images
Riot police clash with demonstrators in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, September 23.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Riot police clash with demonstrators in Athens, Greece, on Sunday, September 23.
Landov
A Muslim protester throws a shoe at police during a rally in central Athens on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Muslim protester throws a shoe at police during a rally in central Athens on Sunday.
Reuters/Landov
Riot police try to disperse Muslim protesters in Athens on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Riot police try to disperse Muslim protesters in Athens on Sunday.
Reuters/Landov
A Kashmiri Muslim student participates in a protest march organized by a Muslim school on Saturday, September 22, against an independently produced anti-Islam film that has ignited anger in the Muslim world.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Kashmiri Muslim student participates in a protest march organized by a Muslim school on Saturday, September 22, against an independently produced anti-Islam film that has ignited anger in the Muslim world.
epa/landov
A family in Kashmir watches as students protest on Saturday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A family in Kashmir watches as students protest on Saturday.
epa/landov
A worker inspects his damaged shop following violent protests in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Saturday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A worker inspects his damaged shop following violent protests in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Saturday.
epa/landov
Pakistani Muslim demonstrators clash with police Friday during a protest near the U.S. consulate in Islamabad.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani Muslim demonstrators clash with police Friday during a protest near the U.S. consulate in Islamabad.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani Muslim demonstrators topple a freight container that was placed by police to block a street during a protest on Friday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani Muslim demonstrators topple a freight container that was placed by police to block a street during a protest on Friday.
AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator kicks a tear gas shell in Karachi, Pakistan, on Friday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A demonstrator kicks a tear gas shell in Karachi, Pakistan, on Friday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani policemen help an injured comrade Friday in Karachi.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani policemen help an injured comrade Friday in Karachi.
AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather to demonstrate against a French magazine that published nude cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed outside the French Embassy in London on Friday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Protesters gather to demonstrate against a French magazine that published nude cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed outside the French Embassy in London on Friday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani police detain a demonstrator in Lahore on Friday during a protest against the film "Innocence of Muslims."
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani police detain a demonstrator in Lahore on Friday during a protest against the film "Innocence of Muslims."
AFP/Getty Images
A Pakistani demonstrator throws a tear gas shell toward riot police during a protest against an anti-Islam film in Islamabad on Friday, September 21. Angry demonstrators set fire to two movie theaters in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar as many braced for intensified protests Friday, officials said.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Pakistani demonstrator throws a tear gas shell toward riot police during a protest against an anti-Islam film in Islamabad on Friday, September 21. Angry demonstrators set fire to two movie theaters in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar as many braced for intensified protests Friday, officials said.
AFP/Getty Images
Malaysian Muslim demonstrators march toward the U.S. Embassy after a Friday mass prayer in Kuala Lumpur.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Malaysian Muslim demonstrators march toward the U.S. Embassy after a Friday mass prayer in Kuala Lumpur.
AFP/Getty Images
Protesters take part in a march in Benghazi, Libya, on Friday. The march was in support of democracy and against the Islamist militias that Washington blames for an attack on the U.S. consulate last week that killed four Americans including the ambassador.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Protesters take part in a march in Benghazi, Libya, on Friday. The march was in support of democracy and against the Islamist militias that Washington blames for an attack on the U.S. consulate last week that killed four Americans including the ambassador.
Reuters/Landov
A Pakistani police officer fires an automatic weapon toward demonstrators during a protest Friday in Islamabad.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Pakistani police officer fires an automatic weapon toward demonstrators during a protest Friday in Islamabad.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani riot police chase demonstrators Friday in Islamabad.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani riot police chase demonstrators Friday in Islamabad.
AFP/Getty Images
A Kashmiri activist shouts anti-U.S. slogans during a protest Friday in Srinagar, India.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Kashmiri activist shouts anti-U.S. slogans during a protest Friday in Srinagar, India.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani protesters walk near a burning police bunker as demonstrators attempt to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Thursday, September 20.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani protesters walk near a burning police bunker as demonstrators attempt to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Thursday, September 20.
AFP/Getty Images
A Pakistani protester throws a tear gas shell back toward police on Thursday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Pakistani protester throws a tear gas shell back toward police on Thursday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani demonstrators carry an injured person on Thursday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani demonstrators carry an injured person on Thursday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani riot policemen hold back lawyers shouting anti-U.S. slogans as they attempt to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday, September 19. More than 30 people have been killed around the world during more than a week of attacks and violent protests linked to a controversial film seen as insulting to the Prophet Mohammed.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani riot policemen hold back lawyers shouting anti-U.S. slogans as they attempt to reach the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday, September 19. More than 30 people have been killed around the world during more than a week of attacks and violent protests linked to a controversial film seen as insulting to the Prophet Mohammed.
AFP/Getty Images
A Pakistani lawyer wraps a U.S. flag onto his shoe in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Pakistani lawyer wraps a U.S. flag onto his shoe in Islamabad on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Police try to stop Pakistani lawyers crawling under a barrier as they try to reach the U.S. Embassy in the diplomatic enclave during a protest against an anti-Islam movie in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Police try to stop Pakistani lawyers crawling under a barrier as they try to reach the U.S. Embassy in the diplomatic enclave during a protest against an anti-Islam movie in Islamabad on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani Muslims shout anti-U.S. slogans during a protest against an anti-Islam movie in Karachi on Wednesday. The Pakistan government has declared Friday a national holiday in honor of the Prophet Mohammed and called for peaceful protests against the film.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani Muslims shout anti-U.S. slogans during a protest against an anti-Islam movie in Karachi on Wednesday. The Pakistan government has declared Friday a national holiday in honor of the Prophet Mohammed and called for peaceful protests against the film.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani police stand guard on a blocked street in front of the U.S. Consulate during a protest in Lahore on Wednesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani police stand guard on a blocked street in front of the U.S. Consulate during a protest in Lahore on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani activists of the hard line Sunni party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) offer prayers near the U.S. Consulate on Wednesday in Lahore.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani activists of the hard line Sunni party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) offer prayers near the U.S. Consulate on Wednesday in Lahore.
AFP/Getty Images
Lebanese army soldiers secure the area around the French ambassador's residence in Beirut on Wednesday. France has ordered special security measures around its embassies and schools because of fears of a hostile reaction to a magazine's publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, the foreign ministry said.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Lebanese army soldiers secure the area around the French ambassador's residence in Beirut on Wednesday. France has ordered special security measures around its embassies and schools because of fears of a hostile reaction to a magazine's publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, the foreign ministry said.
AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of Hezbollah hold a picture depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and chant the slogan "God is Great" during a mass rally in Tyre, Lebanon, on Wednesday. Thousands of Lebanon's Hezbollah followers protested against the United States and France for a film and cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammed.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Supporters of Hezbollah hold a picture depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and chant the slogan "God is Great" during a mass rally in Tyre, Lebanon, on Wednesday. Thousands of Lebanon's Hezbollah followers protested against the United States and France for a film and cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammed.
EPA/Landov
Members of Justice and Prosperous Party attend a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Members of Justice and Prosperous Party attend a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
An Indian Muslim student hits a burning effigy of U.S. President Barack Obama during a protest in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
An Indian Muslim student hits a burning effigy of U.S. President Barack Obama during a protest in Kolkata on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Masked Palestinians are seen during clashes with Israeli security forces in Shuafat refugee camp, Jerusalem, on Tuesday, September 18.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Masked Palestinians are seen during clashes with Israeli security forces in Shuafat refugee camp, Jerusalem, on Tuesday, September 18.
Xinhua/Landov
Indian Muslims burn an American flag with a picture of U.S. President Barack Obama as they protest against a U.S.-made anti-Islam film on Tuesday, September 18, near the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. About 5,000 people have gathered in front of the building. Google India has already blocked access to the film, which the government has condemned as "offensive."
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Indian Muslims burn an American flag with a picture of U.S. President Barack Obama as they protest against a U.S.-made anti-Islam film on Tuesday, September 18, near the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. About 5,000 people have gathered in front of the building. Google India has already blocked access to the film, which the government has condemned as "offensive."
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani Sunni Muslims march during a protest against the anti-Islam movie in Peshawar on Tuesday. Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of more than 2,000 protesters trying to reach the U.S. Consulate in northwest Pakistan.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani Sunni Muslims march during a protest against the anti-Islam movie in Peshawar on Tuesday. Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of more than 2,000 protesters trying to reach the U.S. Consulate in northwest Pakistan.
AFP/Getty Images
Palestinian protesters throw stones at Israeli security forces during clashes that erupted after a demonstration against an amateur anti-Islam film in Shuafat refugee camp, Jerusalem, on Tuesday. Hundreds of Palestinians protesting against the movie clashed with Israeli border police in East Jerusalem, hurling stones and firebombs at a checkpoint, the military and reporters said.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Palestinian protesters throw stones at Israeli security forces during clashes that erupted after a demonstration against an amateur anti-Islam film in Shuafat refugee camp, Jerusalem, on Tuesday. Hundreds of Palestinians protesting against the movie clashed with Israeli border police in East Jerusalem, hurling stones and firebombs at a checkpoint, the military and reporters said.
AFP/Getty Images
Israeli border policemen fire tear gas toward Palestinian protesters on Tuesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Israeli border policemen fire tear gas toward Palestinian protesters on Tuesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Kashmiri Muslim demonstrators shout anti-U.S. and Israeli slogans before a clash with Indian police during a protest and one-day strike called by several religious and political organizations in Srinagar on Tuesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Kashmiri Muslim demonstrators shout anti-U.S. and Israeli slogans before a clash with Indian police during a protest and one-day strike called by several religious and political organizations in Srinagar on Tuesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters attempt to extinguish the flames in an Indian police vehicle as protesters clash with police during a protest and in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Tuesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Firefighters attempt to extinguish the flames in an Indian police vehicle as protesters clash with police during a protest and in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Tuesday.
AFP/Getty Images
A Kashmiri Muslim boy jumps over a burning tire set up as a roadblock during Tuesday's demonstration Srinagar.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A Kashmiri Muslim boy jumps over a burning tire set up as a roadblock during Tuesday's demonstration Srinagar.
EPA/Landov
Kashmiri Muslims throw stones at Indian police during a protest on Tuesday in Srinagar.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Kashmiri Muslims throw stones at Indian police during a protest on Tuesday in Srinagar.
EPA/Landov
Muslim women shout Islamic slogans in Srinagar on Tuesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Muslim women shout Islamic slogans in Srinagar on Tuesday.
AFP/Getty Images
Thai Muslims shout slogans during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Thai Muslims shout slogans during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday.
EPA/Landov
Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah group march during a rally in southern Beirut to denounce the film mocking Islam on Monday, September 17. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who made a rare public appearance at the rally, has called for a week of protests across the country over the film, describing it as the "worst attack ever on Islam."
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah group march during a rally in southern Beirut to denounce the film mocking Islam on Monday, September 17. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who made a rare public appearance at the rally, has called for a week of protests across the country over the film, describing it as the "worst attack ever on Islam."
AFP/Getty Images
Sunni Muslims burn a U.S. flag during a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, on Monday. Protests entered their second week, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Lebanon.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Sunni Muslims burn a U.S. flag during a protest in Lahore, Pakistan, on Monday. Protests entered their second week, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Lebanon.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani Shiite Muslims shout anti-American slogans Monday in Lahore.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani Shiite Muslims shout anti-American slogans Monday in Lahore.
AFP/Getty Images
Afghan riot police are reflected through a window during an anti-U.S. protest Monday in Kabul, Afghanistan. Protesters attacked police along a road leading to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Afghan riot police are reflected through a window during an anti-U.S. protest Monday in Kabul, Afghanistan. Protesters attacked police along a road leading to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
AFP/Getty Images
Afghan police leave Jalalabad Road following an anti-U.S. protest Monday in Kabul.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Afghan police leave Jalalabad Road following an anti-U.S. protest Monday in Kabul.
AFP/Getty Images
Barricades of tires burn Monday in Kabul.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Barricades of tires burn Monday in Kabul.
AFP/Getty Images
Indonesian anti-riot police arrest a protester Monday outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. Monday's demonstrations come nearly a week after protests erupted in Egypt and Libya, spreading to more than 20 nations.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Indonesian anti-riot police arrest a protester Monday outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. Monday's demonstrations come nearly a week after protests erupted in Egypt and Libya, spreading to more than 20 nations.
AFP/Getty Images
An Indonesian protester runs through smoke Monday outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
An Indonesian protester runs through smoke Monday outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani lawyers shout anti-American slogans as they march Monday in Lahore.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani lawyers shout anti-American slogans as they march Monday in Lahore.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani activists shout slogans in Islamabad on Sunday, September 16.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani activists shout slogans in Islamabad on Sunday, September 16.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani protestors hold banners and shout anti-U.S. slogans in Karachi on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani protestors hold banners and shout anti-U.S. slogans in Karachi on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand near a burning police van during an anti-U.S. protest organized by Pakistani Shiite Muslims in Karachi on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand near a burning police van during an anti-U.S. protest organized by Pakistani Shiite Muslims in Karachi on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
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.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
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.
AFP/Getty Images
A protester climbs on a gate of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A protester climbs on a gate of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani protesters march toward the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani protesters march toward the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
Protesters attack a police van outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Protesters attack a police van outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
Pakistani police fire tear gas shells toward the protesters in Karachi on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Pakistani police fire tear gas shells toward the protesters in Karachi on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
An Afghan youth shouts slogans during an anti-U.S. protest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
An Afghan youth shouts slogans during an anti-U.S. protest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, head of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa, addresses supporters in Lahore on Sunday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, head of Pakistan's outlawed Islamic hard-line group Jamaat ud Dawa, addresses supporters in Lahore on Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
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.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
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.
Reuters/Landov
A man assists a young protester after capsicum spray was used by police near the U.S. Consulate General in central Sydney on Saturday.
Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide —
A man assists a young protester after capsicum spray was used by police near the U.S. Consulate General in central Sydney on Saturday.
AFP/Getty Images