Posted on 07/17/2006 12:54:43 PM PDT by sonsofliberty2000
The Syrian embassy said it was offering "safe haven" to Americans and other citizens wishing to flee Lebanon, where nearly 200 civilians have been killed during a massive Israeli military bombardment.
"Now, while thousands of United States citizens are stranded in Lebanon attempting to flee the ongoing massacre there, Syria has opened its borders to US citizens as well as citizens of other nationalities," the embassy said in a statement.
"In Syria, US and citizens of other nations find a safe haven from the barbaric and atrocious acts of the Israeli army in Lebanon," it said, adding that already a "huge influx of US and foreign nationals" have entered Syria.
Syria was waiving visa requirements for entry and offering "all sorts of humane assistance to the thousands of refugees coming from Lebanon including medical attention," it said.
"From Syria, US citizens can return safely home."
US military helicopters flew 43 people out of Lebanon Monday and preparations were underway to evacuate potentially thousands of US nationals by air and by sea, officials said.
Other foreign capitals also rushed to evacuate frightened nationals from the escalating conflict, as Israel indicated it may provide windows in its six-day-old aerial bombardment to facilitate safe passage.
Is this the Rachel Corrie Memorial Refugee Scholarship?
Syria has helped create the bad situation in Lebanon by helping Iran to arm Hezbollah. Now they try to compare themselves favorably to Lebanon (having created the problem). They have played that game for years, using the instability they created as a pretext to stay in Lebanon all these years. Now they use the same method to convince tourists that it's never safe to visit Lebanon. A nifty way to compete for tourism dollars. Bastards.
>>unless you were a democrat.
No then you are still an idiot...
Let me see what are the options: I think pukindog said it well, get on a big A$$ target like a cruise ship or go to Syria.
There has to be another option.
Yes,many would be that stupid.Syria's turn in the barrel is coming up.
There's no reason on earth for anyone to take Syria up on that offer, not even as an act of desperation. America is evacuating its citizens tomorrow. Who do you think is more likely to get you safely out of Lebanon - America or Syria?
They are looking for human shields. You would have to be an idiot to go to Syria unless you were a democrat.
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Same thing.
I have to disagree. If Syria took American hostages they would be obliterated and they know that.
They would have everything to lose, so this offer comes through fear and not strength. They are trying to show they are "good guys".
I don't share your faith in their motives. I don't trust them. Having seen the viciousness of Muslims, it's best not to trust our known enemies.
Syria..
Uhhm, no thanks to your offer. I would rather take my chances and wait for rescue by the US military.
Welcome to Syria...
Please wait here while your Iranian tour guide arrives for your flight to Tehran...
The Syrians are offering safe haven as they're afraid of having missiles tossed at them.
I don't think they are trying to show they are good guys...I think they got caught flat-footed and already denied some Americans entry into Syria...so now they are trying to stage some propaganda, knowing that 1)the US announced it will evacuate soon and 2) use the propaganda do announce that dastardly Israel is causing everybody pain.
Not only would I not be caught on the Syrian border but I wouldn't be caught on any road to Syria where Hezbpuss-ah and Hummus would love to find some easy American targets for hostages.
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