U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon

LATimes ^ | July 18, 2006 | Megan K. Stack

[mtbopfuyn]

I see your point, but could Israel take on Iran which would have the backing of the entire ME?

[OldFriend]

In case you hadn't noticed. There is a war going on.

Nice to know you have so many 'connections' in high places. I'm impressed.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

***The first cruise ship arrives today to begin evacuating large numbers of Americans. Airliners are likewise being chartered, and U.S. naval vessels are en route to you.***

This deserves to be repeated.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

In addition to my last post...

To say the American government is doing nothing is incorrect.

[girlscout]

Bump

[mtbopfuyn]

Let me point out that the Iwo Jima amphibious landing group is STILL in the Red Sea, seven days after this thing began. You have to START moving a ship before it can get somewhere.

FOX just now reporting about the Iwo Jima... lots of helicopters... can transport many passengers... will be arriving BUT won't be there until later in the week.

[bnelson44]

On CNN:

U.S. Navy task force is heading to Mediterranean to evacuate U.S. citizens from Lebanon, Pentagon officials say.

Wonder if Rummy finally got discusted with State?


http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/18/lebanon.evacuation.int/index.html

[Fitzcarraldo]

Maybe the slowness of the rescue is the US's way of holding back Israel momentarily.

[mtbopfuyn]

How many Freepers have EVER registered with the U.S. State Dept when traveling abroad?

Ha, my passport was in a diplomatic pouch and it still mysteriously disappeared somewhere between here and Russia. If they can't keep up with the contents of diplomatic pouches, it's not a wonder you're having to RE-register.

[mtbopfuyn]

it looks like people are have just went ahead and traveled to the port to wait it out at the port.

They don't value their lives much.

[mtbopfuyn]

And they kept driving to the high spot every day, and showing 'victims' that could not get out. Never did they mention giving anyone a lift, or a map to an escape route. I doubt if they shared a bottle of water with their photo-op backdrops. I have not been able to look at Shep Smith ever since.

Standing and cheering!!!!!!!!!! Exactly what I've said. I can't stand Shep since Katrina.

[norton]

Real time reporting always needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
Of course, the LA Times can find a quagmire anytime and anyplace they choose to do so; especially since the unprinted message is "Bush's fault".
FOX has managed to give one message by mouth and a contrary one in it's (usually misspelled) banner - I have no idea if it is 200 in/2000 out, or thousands into Gaza....I'm betting on the former.

[Redleg Duke]

Vacations to Lebanon? I have no sympathy for anyone who vacations in a terrorist hell hole!

[Mrs. Xtrmst]

When France starts evacuating its citizens more quickly than the U.S., perception will be that we care less about our stranded citizens than the French, unless someone explains why it's taking longer.

Hmm, my take was just that the French are better at quitting a position. :) We all have our strengths & weaknesses.

[OKIEDOC]

I will not disagree on the State Department having lost of inept so-called professionals.

Having lived in several foreign countries I never found them to be on the ball when they were actually needed.

Especially during an emergency.

This is a good old guy and gal agency ripe with a bunch of procrastinators.

These people always seemed to be waiting on someone higher up to make a decision on just about any level.

[mtbopfuyn]

Per FOX - The Orient Queen hadn't been allowed into port. US talked with Israel and finally got the OK. Should be coming into port in two hours (maybe).

[maica]

Have you seen this thread? dozens of photos from your section of the world:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1667744/posts

GOTTA SEE THIS-WarEndur.Freedom 7/18/06-Haifa,Tirat Hacarmel,Kiryat Shmona,Kfarshima,Al Howsh
Yahoo, AP, Reuters, AFP, and the usual suspects | 7/18/06 | The Armies of Good against the Axis of Evil

Posted on 07/18/2006 9:01:38 AM EDT by Diogenesis

[stlnative]

Have you been watching the coverage on the news with the large groups of people standing outside of the hotels getting ready to get on buses and they also showed some clips of the port. The people seem very calm and relaxed.

the orient queen should be docking in beirut in about 2 hours PER FOX NEWS, there was a delay as the israelis did block it but it has been allowed to pass on through.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

***the orient queen should be docking in beirut in about 2 hours PER FOX NEWS, there was a delay as the israelis did block it but it has been allowed to pass on through.***

Great news! It looks like our government HAS BEEN working to evacuate American citizens, hm? :o)

rebel...will you be making your way to this vessel?

[Beckwith]

I just hope you get out OK.

Be patient.