Posted on 07/13/2006 1:00:45 PM PDT by 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
I must have missed 'Beirut, the peaceful place' (maybe decades ago).
"I am so mad I could spit."
I'm with you on that! I could spit just watching the news and I'm not in the middle of the war zone!
Everyone stuck in Beriut who's been interviewed on the news has said the exact same thing. They are unable to get through on the contact numbers given. Oh but, big deal being made by embassy reps about the 20 people they did rescue, and nothing but repetitive reporting about how they are still trying to figure out how to get you all out. Meantime, the situation gets worse. I find it difficult to believe that earlier on there was no coordination between Israel and U.S. on this matter so that it should have been done days ago. Both to blame, imo. I certainly hope that there doesn't come a point in the escalation, that they can't or that Americans stuck become target? Because already there was a warning during our night last night for Americans NOT to go north to Syria, as they are planning massive Anti-American rallies for, I believe, today. Not surprising, it was only a matter of time before the world decides it's America's fault.
I will contact my congressmen this morning and hopefully it won't be much longer, a day or two at most. Fill the tub just in case and stay safe!
Bump
ED Hill pointed out this morning on F&F that the State Department had updated its warning recently about visiting that area and hadn't tourists paid attention? It's a worthy point to be made. Plenty of people are working there and I understand that, but many, many more are not and disregarded warnings to go and are now demanding instant action because of their passport.
I heard a little about this too. But my understanding is that there are many, many holders of passports for both US and Lebanon and the story I heard implied that those doing the complaining about the U.S. not rescuing them, and demanding the U.S. do so, are not tourists, but Arabs with U.S. passports that have been living in Lebanon for years and years. That's perhaps why you don't hear 'pride' about being 'American', but demands and use of Arab Associations to assist.
Thank you. It also may explain something else I read recently. I read a book from the Palestinian Christian perspective and one of their complaints was that Israel did not respect American passports. I thought their complaint had merit, but now I begin to understand why Israel may not value them...
Am I figuring this right......Rebel's last post 8 hrs ago?
Posted by rebel_yell2 to Vn_survivor_67-68
On News/Activism 07/17/2006 1:24:17 AM EDT
Hopefully, getting some rest, or better yet, rescue.
CNN reporting that France has already been moving some of their people in Lebanon to Cyprus by boat. (I remember you mentioning you might try and attempt this....)
And, CNN reporting that the U.S. is considering hiring a 'cruise' boat to transport Americans to Cyrus, but nothing has yet been confirmed. Hez has already managed to target and successfully hit an Israeli ship, I wonder how they intend to prevent something the size of a cruise ship picking up Americans from being targeted?
Any word?
CNN update that there is a Greek cruise ship that has been secured for the transport of Americans to Cyprus beginning tomorrow morning. Helicopters have removed about 30 or 40 more Americans, but considering there are a few thousand interested in leaving(that's all? sounds low to me) , helicopters are too slow. A U.S. naval ship will accompany the cruise ship for security.
Bookmark
Two things:
1. I am praying for your safety and will do so until you return.
2. I think Israel is enveloping Hezbollah. True, they want to keep their soldiers from being shipped to Syria or Iran, but I think a lot of the reason for the blockade is to keep Hezbollah guys from going into Syria when the battlefield prep stops and the kill zone ops start.
Oh my. Prayers up!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1666987/posts
7/17 Middle East Live Thread
Posted by rebel_yell2 to Peach
On News/Activism 07/17/2006 12:37:20 PM EDT · 1,048 of 1,234
Awwww . . . So much for the Iwo Jima!
To: BurbankKarl
U.S. Embassy Plan to Transport American Citizens from Lebanon
July 17, 2006
The U.S. Embassy is finalizing details to assist American citizens who wish to leave Lebanon. Americans who wish to leave should ready themselves immediately and await further instructions. Americans who wish to depart Lebanon should prepare important travel documents such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificates, and other civil documents such as marriage. Each traveler will each be allowed one suitcase only—not to exceed 15 kilos (30 pounds). Pets will not be allowed to travel. Further instructions will be disseminated via the media, the Embassy warden system and the U.S. Embassy website: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov Two U.S. helicopters arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar at 16:00 today, July 17, bringing additional staff to assist with the American citizen departure, including U.S. Department of State consular officers. The helicopters took out of Lebanon a number of Americans with urgent medical needs, children to be re-united with their parents, and elderly family members. The U.S. Department of State continues to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure that the departure of American citizens is safe and carried out in an orderly fashion. The U.S. Embassy is particularly concerned about American citizens in the south and is working through the Warden System to reach them. The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans who have not yet registered to phone the Department of State at 202-501-4444 from overseas, or at 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. Embassy reaffirms the firm, enduring and non-negotiable commitment of the United States to Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
FINALLY, some news from the State Department!!!
1,039 posted on 07/17/2006 12:32:14 PM EDT by rebel_yell2
Thank you for bringing it to my attention.....I hadn't seen that he had been posting!
Ship due in an hour. Please let us know what's up when you can.
make that 2 hrs...
Any news yet?
I haven't been able to get this Freepers plight out of my mind. Hope you got out today. Please post your status when possible.
BOOKEND ... as post 719 links, Rebel-yell2 is on his way home via Athens.
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