I think our gov't guys have heard that any Americans seen surfacing in Lebanon are to be kidnapped by Hezbullah and used as bargaining chips to make Israel cease and desist attacking. I think that's why Americans in Lebanon are being warned to stay put, because if they go out, even if just trying to get to the U.S. Embassy, they are subject to attack and/or capture. I suspect it is safer for them to just stay put at this point, as tensions are running high, and Muslim Lebanese may not be so friendly to Americans right now, as they blame the U.S. more so than other foreign countries for siding w/Israel. It is safer and easier to get the French or Spanish or whatever out, as they are not useful bargaining chips, whereas U.S. citizens are.