[FReepaholic]

...What kind of moron goes to a place like LEBENON for vacation in the first place???...

If you're referring to rebel_yell2, I understand that he is there on an assignment with the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

[ZULU]

I don't know who rebel_yell2 is.

People who go into dangerous areas should be prepared to face the consequences and not get bent out of shape when rescue efforts are delayed. Conservatives believe in facing the consequences of their decisions. Its liberals who go whining to the government for relief when they get themselves in a mess they can't get out of, isn't it?

I was referring to all those individuals claiming to be American citizens who are in Lebanon on alleged "vacations" anyway.

[ZULU]

By the way, I agree with you about Waco - and Ruby Ridge too.

[AmericanInTokyo]

I am coming to the conclusion (at least in comparing the reaction of foreign media to their coverage of the plight of their citizens in war and natural disaster zones) that the average American must really carry a very weak if any concept of just why Americans go overseas (outside of tourism or US military assignments), or just how many of them are in any one foreign country at any time for a variety of legitimate reasons. They would be amazed to know there are at least 30,000 US citizens for example in Seoul, South Korea in all lines of work. However, it is a short distance from tens of thousands of DPRK artillery pieces. Many Americans are sent somewhere because of their job and their loyalty to it. I understand this lack of grasp, with not more than 7% of Americans holding passports and so few involved in international travel, there is a great lack of understanding of just why many other Americans are overseas at any given time--and are shocked to see the need when such a massive emergency evac becomes necessary. I don't see this sentiment in the UK. I don't see it in Germany. I don't see it in Italy. Don't see it in Japan. Never saw it or read it in Korea. Never sensed it in Spain or Poland or India.

I guess the solution is to just come completely home--with the exception of US military in absolutely necessary situations, allow no more civilian Americans overseas--which is increasingly dangerous, just all off the country, and enjoy our own land in perfect peace and insularity.

[Tammy8]

Why hasn't the IMF gotten him out? And that is not sarcasm; many companies who send employees to foreign countries have plans to get employees out in times like this. Companies have gotten employees out of situations like this in the past.