U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon

LATimes ^ | July 18, 2006 | Megan K. Stack

[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.

[happinesswithoutpeace]

"The UN ran off?!?!"

Last in, First out.

[rebel_yell2]

Duh? What an ASSH*LE comment.

Of course, I had family trying to register me, along with the offices of six different senators. My family members were told that State was not taking registration over the phone in the U.S.

Get your facts straight before making such a condescending post.

Shame on you.

[NinoFan]

How does you being on the ground put you in a better position to ascertain fact from fiction when your being there does not involve you having access to any priviledged information concerning the embassy's and our government's plan?

[A CA Guy]

Can't the UN remove people they had protected out since the terrorist are far less likely to blast a UN vessel or helicopter.
Why isn't the UN removing you?

[Miss Marple]

I umderstand your frustration, but the US does have a problem in the fact there are large numbers of Americans wanting to evacuate, they must hire cruise ships or get military transport ships to the area (which takes time), they can't use the airport, and it would be unsafe to bus Americans through Syria.

For example, we don't know how many cruise lines are refusing to make the trip. We don't know what intelligence has picked up on what Hezbollah plans to do if they see thousands of Americans grouped together.

One thing I heard on television was that for security reasons you will only be given about one hour's notice.

[Echo Talon]

Of course, I had family trying to register me, along with the offices of six different senators. My family members were told that State was not taking registration over the phone in the U.S.

well, thats not what a State Dept. official said yesterday on TV... they said families in the US could register people in Lebanon...

[peggybac]

My prayers are with you and your safe return.

[RandallFlagg]

if they sunk a ship with 1000's of Americans that would be a huge "Beirut"..

They wouldn't be able to make it past our Navy's shipboard self-defensive systems.

[rebel_yell2]

Actually, they have the C-802, which is much more advanced than a silkworm.

Yes, I would feel safe leaving Lebanon by ferry. I would have been on the French ferry yesterday had there been space; I was on the list.

I don't think Hizbollah is looking to kill a boatload of foreigners. This is a PR war, after all.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

From the BBC: About Evacuations from Lebanon.

[NinoFan]

Hezbollah would love to kill Americans.

[Southack]

"I'm here on the ground so I think I'm in a bit better position to ascertain what is "fact" from what is fiction. Certainly, the Slimes is trying to editorialize, but I see a number of "facts" in the article."

LOL!

Point taken.

[HiTech RedNeck]

well, thats not what a State Dept. official said yesterday on TV... they said families in the US could register people in Lebanon...

Maybe by paying a personal visit to State?

[Echo Talon]

just be careful and keep your head down... is Israel bombing where your at, or is it pretty quiet? How are you doing with food, water, money etc...

[rebel_yell2]

Please identify in the article any "fictions" you see.

[Miss Marple]

You know, I heard that interview myself. Perhaps the woman meant on-line, but she made a POINT of saying that American relatives could register for people in Lebanon.

[burzum]

They wouldn't be able to make it past our Navy's shipboard self-defensive systems.

Aren't we using cruise ships?

I hope they don't consider doing it. The US would not show half as much restraint as Israel if we were attacked (at least with our current CinC).

[A CA Guy]

I think they are going to have to try and march people out.

Boats are going to be easy missile targets.

[NinoFan]

I notice you didn't answer my question.

This doesn't belong in breaking news.