Posted on 07/18/2006 12:46:21 AM PDT by rebel_yell2
BEIRUT — Thousands of Americans whose vacations and business trips to Lebanon have degenerated with sickening speed into stints in a battle zone remained stranded here under Israeli bombardment Monday, their frustration and anger mounting because the U.S. government hasn't gotten them out faster.
Waiting around Beirut with bags packed and fingers crossed, U.S. citizens derided the embassy for busy phone lines, a lack of information and gnawing uncertainty over when and whether they will get out. Hundreds were expected to be shipped to Cyprus today, but how long the full evacuation will take remains uncertain.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
If they launch the evacuation today (Tuesday), that's six days from the start of the conflict, and I would consider that a lightening-like response on the part of the U.S. government.
When this happened on Cambodia, the Thais brought in C-130s and Special Forces teams the minute the runway was patched; the Singaporeans did roughly the same (and it was a "mandatory" evac for their citizens); and the Aussies organized a truck convoy evac from *inside* the country, overland to Thailand.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy told me "It's OK, everything is over now" little more than 10 minutes after I'd slipped away from the active AK, M-79, and B40 shelling in my neighborhood. "Oh, sure. Right. Over now."
It was OK (even comical), because I didn't really want to evac anyway. But it taught me that Embassy personel know nothing more than anyone else (fog of war), and maybe even less (which can be dangerous because of the false sense of security).
It's best to depend upon them or whatever they say as little as is possible, and to take it all with a very large grain of salt.
Clinton's State Dept. Spokesman.
Ah yes, now I remember. CNN brought him on shortly after their marriage as "an authority" on the ME. I wonder what he does now for a living. LOL
Doing now? Probably hiding from Mad Woman Albright. She probably wanted him for one of her daughters.
Wish I could remember his name. Had a curious speaking pattern.
Well, so much for my backup plan when abroad, which has always been to yell "Ou est l'embassie Canadien?" I figured once I was safe at the Canadian embassy we could work something out. Sounds like they're in worse shape than the US in this instance.
My impression, not based on any inside info, is that Western governments are in a dicey position. They can't tell their civilians where to assemble for evac without also telling Hizbollah where a big, fat target will be at a given time. That could broaden the war, which is exactly what HB and their Iranian and Syrian sponsors are looking for. So they can't arrange for transport until they have enough assets in place to provide airtight cover.
If anyone has the logistical capability it would be the US and it's military to get a lot of people out. At the same time, I am sensing that people believe things should and can happen almost immediately. Nothing happens immediately when you place your trust in the government.
You can arrange your lodging and flight to Lebanon in 15 minutes on-line. To extricate you from a war zone in which the US is not a belligerant and the attacker has isolated the country will not happen in 15 minutes.
Is every embassy in the world prepared in man power and technological cability to get people out on short notice? In a country in which the embassy's native workforce is suffering from battle and the native infrastructure is under assault will you get out quickly?
Foreign countries aren't like Disney World. Choosing to vacation or do business in a country that shares a border with Syria and Israel should cause pause and planning beyond the hotel.
I trust the US is doing what it can under the circumstances.
Just like Katrina.
They are talking about this on Fox and say The Orient Queen is coming and they can load up 700 Americans...
I am amazed at how much trivia my little brain holds.
Jamie Rubin.
After all of my griping, I'm probably 701 on the list. :-)
So, has Jeopardy called you yet? I'm still waiting by the phone...
LOL! I'll take Clinton officials for $100, Alex!
hehe, since you have $, food and water maybe you're not as high of a priority... :D
That's the guy. Now I want to forget him again.
It is just very frustrating that it is Israel, not Lebanon and not Hizbollah/Syria/Iran, that prevents me from leaving. But if it will help eliminate Hizbollah, I'll sit here for another six months.
Was hoping you were one of the folks the cameras caught leaving, but I see no such luck. FNC is saying 8 buses to the ship had to turn back when Israel bombed the port again. FRiend, stay put and keep your head about you (in all ways). Here's to a safe and prompt safe passage soon.
In 3 days you will be home relaxing having a drink.I can see it.I'll send you a Rum and Coke with a twist of lime.:).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.