Posted on 07/18/2006 12:46:21 AM PDT by rebel_yell2
BEIRUT — Thousands of Americans whose vacations and business trips to Lebanon have degenerated with sickening speed into stints in a battle zone remained stranded here under Israeli bombardment Monday, their frustration and anger mounting because the U.S. government hasn't gotten them out faster.
Waiting around Beirut with bags packed and fingers crossed, U.S. citizens derided the embassy for busy phone lines, a lack of information and gnawing uncertainty over when and whether they will get out. Hundreds were expected to be shipped to Cyprus today, but how long the full evacuation will take remains uncertain.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I may come to regret it but it seemed to be the prudent decision at the time. And now.
Perhaps you are right. I tend to be self-reliant, and don't complain much.
To attempt to put it more tactfully, your experience and those of many others, are evidence that the government as almighty protector/savior we've been fed for about the last 60 years is just not always so.Now, should it be?Thats another question but the problem is it probably can't be with 100% total effectiveness.But, we are generations into believing it is and should be.
If the Israelis would invade Lebanon, I could take a taxi to Haifa. :-) Okay, two taxis: one to the border and one from the boder to Haifa.
Yeah, they're kind of stuck.
Here's another thing: with each missile the instigators launch, Israeli lives are endangered. I don't think the Israelis should hang back waiting for an evacuation of a bunch of dumbasses with no common sense.
You just know if they really start getting their asses kicked, they will default to the next option:
1. Launch missiles from random safe havens in occupied Lebanon
2. Move missiles and equipment to safe areas from IDF
3. Hide among women and children wherever possilble
4. Lacking safety among the skirts, take hostages and announce publicly.
5. Start with Americans, prefer young, blond, blue eyed females, re: American U.
6. Contact the NY Times and MSM with your reasonable demands.
Bravo!
Basically, Syria is trying to get a bunch of people into Damascus, especially Americans, so they can be a kind of human shield against an Israeli invasion. (Syria is well aware of the Israeli-American friendship and would love to be able to drive a wedge between the two.) I imagine the Americans that go there will end up being full-blown hostages by the time this is done. I'm glad you didn't fall for it.
That's a good point. You'd be much better off if the Israelis had already done a ground invasion.
I'm sure Israel would turn back most all small boats since terrorist could use that, but if there are small boats arranged to come in by groups along with Israel, then you are all set to go.
I bet that is the way it would go.
I think you are not entirely accurate. Beirut lies in the north of the country, is urban and was "liberated" from Syrian control less than a year ago.
The terrorist entity only controls the south and is a minority in its government representation.
That they would create an international incident now and then face retaliation from the IDF in the north is not something anyone could predict. Because it was all orchestrated in Tehran.
What apparent promise? How can a promise be "apparent"? There either is one or there isn't.
Actually, all they really need to get started is a destroyer or two and a couple of chartered cruise ships. That is what is happening today, six days later.
The delay in evacuation is understandable. The lack of communication to/from State is what I find so disturbing.
You may not want to hear advice from someone of my low character, but here it is anyway.
Find a safe place, a bomb shelter if possible, if not maybe the basement of a strong one or two story building, and hunker down. An upscale hotel is always a very good bet, as you would be among foreigners and you would hear the latest developments by word of mouth.
You say you have food and water. I suspect you will find it easier to get out of there in a week or two if you can hang on that long. If you are in Beirut, you aren't in danger of being overrun, but you probably don't want to advertise your presence.
What about our many brave contractors in Iraq? Personally, I wouldn't have vacationed in Lebanon, but I think rebel_yell is there in connection with his job at the IMF. Such people deserve our sympathy and prayers, imo. We can yell at the crazy ones later but right now I want US gov't to get our people out of there.
When the website "accepts" his registration but the embassy denies to him it was accepted.
And now go back to Ahab so you two can connive some more.
You make a very good point/warning.
One of my colleagues was helping with the French evacuation yesterday. He complained about how many Arabic names were on the manifest and was told that it was too late to vet the passengers. Anyone with a French passport was allowed to board, Hizbollah or not. So this is not just a "small boat" problem. And an understandable sticking point for Israel.
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