*BREAK* FReeper rebel_yell2 trapped in Lebanon

FreeRepublic ^ | July 13, 2006 | NonValueAdded

[NonValueAdded]

From Tourists Streaming into Syria from Lebanon, post 47:

To: cinives

You all might find this damn funny, but my sorry ass is marooned in Beirut, where I have been working for the IMF. If anybody has any helpful suggestions on how I can get out of this war zone, I would be most grateful. Right now, the road to Syria is the only way out of Lebanon for anyone, including U.S. citizens, and the Israelis are bombing that road. I am NOT happy with the Israelis right now. I understand their concerns about their kidnapped soldiers but bombing the Beirut Airport was not going to help them in any way.

47 posted on 07/13/2006 3:47:47 PM EDT by rebel_yell2

[jer33 3]

....

[tuckrdout]

Right. One would think the Democrats were in charge of both houses of congress and the White House.......

[StJacques]

I think you misunderstood me txflake. I thought your comment was really funny. I just reread my post to you and I must admit that my meaning did not come through clearly, so I do not take offense at your response. It was very late when I made my post and perhaps I should have been a little more careful by throwing in a "LOL!" or using different wording.

[exdem2000]

prayers for your daughter and her family.

[rebel_yell2]

I am so mad I could spit.

I just spent 25 minutes on "hold" trying to call the "emergency" number at the State Department, which CNN has been publicizing on their broadcasts and website. Believe it or not, there is no other number for those of us trapped here in Lebanon.

The U.S. Lebanese embassy here has two phone numbers, which have been busy since Wednesday. I am so appalled at the lack of contingency planning by our State Department that I don't know what to do.

I am asking concerned Freepers to call their Congress Critters and ask them to press for an evacuation of U.S. citizens stranded in Beirut. And that they ask the State Dept. to use their database to contact stranded citizens who have registered to let us know what is going on. I have not heard anything from them in 24 hours, when they informed me that I would have to "sign a promissory note" for payment of my evacuation. I am happy to pay for my passage, but let's get our priorities straight. The bombs are now falling in Central Beirut. It is only a matter of time before there are casualties among U.S. or European citizens.

[rebel_yell2]

Don't forget what FEMA is paying to Katrina "survivors."

[firewalk]

bttt

[BurbankKarl]

Just curious...is IMF still paying your hotel?

[mrsmith]

Good grief! You're certainly "living in interesting times".

Any group of Americans is going to be a target, I can't imagine a safe way of getting you all out without a carrier group.

But better minds than mine are working on it! So hang in there, and good luck!

[rebel_yell2]

Yes. Amazingly, they have negotiated a rate of USD75/day so it isn't going to break them.

[DAVEY CROCKETT]

BTTT

[fanfan]

Gosh Rebel.

When this thread was started, I had hoped you'd be in Turkey by now.

Have you met any people at the hotel you can exchange information with?

I'd call the State Department, but I'm a Canadian, so it wouldn't help much.

If there's anything I can do other than pray, let me know.

Fanfan.

[claudiustg]

---I am so mad I could spit.
I just spent 25 minutes on "hold" trying to call the "emergency" number at the State Department, which CNN has been publicizing on their broadcasts and website. Believe it or not, there is no other number for those of us trapped here in Lebanon.---

Then there were 7-year-old Omer Pesahov from Nahariya and his grandmother, 58-year-old Yehudit Itzkovich. They won't be needing evacuation. They were murdered by one of Hizbullah's missiles, falling randomly on the civilian population in Israel.

[MinorityRepublican]

I guess the Americans aren't coming anytime soon. Your best bet is to sit this crisis out and wait until the Israelis arrives to establish a coridor in Beriut so they can take foreigners out.

[raygun]

something to consider when conditions permit

I don't know what to tell you. I've experienced being on the receiving end of a sustained howitzer barrage during war-game excercises in the field while serving in Reagan's military. Its unnerving to say the least (especially when solid ground noticably heaves).

I'll be praying that the Holy Spirit ministers to you, providing guidance concerning what to do, and comfort and assurance of safety, and that doors will be opened to you with respect to your plight. Pray to the Lord, in Jesus name, that he opens your eyes to His leading as to what you should do. This goes two ways: you ask to receive, I'll ask that its provided.

[Humidston]

We'll do all we can do from this side, FRiend. Including saying all the prayers we've been saying for you!

Hubby said he wouldn't be surprised to see Hezbollah begin taking hostages - if they can locate groups of Americans. Please keep your head down. I hope you're a "swarthy looking" man! Can you tell trusted friends or family members to call for you from the U.S. - along with your location? I would think 15-20 calls from our country could help you.

Another point: Don't you think the U.S. has been in contact with and warned Israel to bomb VERY carefully? I won't get any more specific. Of course when all the chaos is going on outside your window, that's of little comfort to you I'm sure...

[exdem2000]

Praying for your safe return home

[fanfan]

I'm sorry, I haven't read the whole thread.
Have you seen this?


(CNN) -- The following is the text of a message sent out Saturday to U.S. citizens registered with the U.S. State Department as traveling to or present in Lebanon.

Message to Americans in Lebanon

The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon.

As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport Americans to Cyprus. Once in Cyprus, Americans can then board commercial aircraft for onward travel. Commercial airlines provide the safest and most efficient repatriation options to final destinations.

The Department of State reminds American citizens that the U.S. government does not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. For the portion of your trip directly handled by the U.S. Government we will ask you to sign a promissory note and we will bill you at a later date.

In a subsequent message, when we have specific details about the transportation arrangements, we will inform you about the costs you will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure that they have adequate flights to help you depart Cyprus and connect to your final destination.

The Department of State continues to work around the clock and will continue to send updates to you as appropriate.

[fanfan]

I'm asking too.

:-)

[SE Mom]

If they put the evac in the hands of the military I think things might move quicker..