U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon

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

[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.

[Justa]

"...trying to register with the State Dept., trying to call the State Dept. Busy, no answer, 50 minutes on hold."

Lol, because they already left Lebanon before you.

Ground transport may be your best option.

[RandallFlagg]

This would be a very different situation.

[RandallFlagg]

Sorry, but I know my Navy.
I never said it was Bush's fault.

[HelloooClareece]

While I understand that people are frustrated at this point, I am equally sure that the evacuees SAFETY is the primary focus here and also the cause of the holdup.

Let's not turn this into Katrina part deux. Maybe the French were able to evacuate their people but last I checked, they had no target on them. The US? That's a different story altogether. Obviously it will take more time.

[edcoil]

Why are you in Lebanon? What in the world would have someone vacation there?

[Clara Lou]

Good grief--where have you been? He was there on business with the IMF.

[mtbopfuyn]

Not to mention the French are just a bit closer to than we are. Per FOX, the Iwo Jima is just now setting sail.

Yikes, Shep is being shelled!!! Yes, Shep, Hezbollah is ignoring all Israeli targets and has trained their guns on your camera.

[lawnguy]

Rebel_Yell2:

When this is all over, you'll look back on it and realize you could've been the next Scud Stud if things would've worked out differently:-)

Maybe even Peter Arnett!!

Good luck to you, you'll be home soon.

[stlnative]

Per FOX reporter in Cyprus - many Americans are catching rides on the ferry hired by the French and on the Italian War ship. The Italian war ship and the ferry is expected to be back in the port of Beirut tomorrow morning.

It sounds like the Israelis are patrolling about 2 hours out from the port. The ships and ferries will not enter or exit the Beirut port except during daylight hours.
Earlier today the FOX reporter that is in Cyprus said the the first trip in that the Orient Queen (OQ) makes will be only taking about 60 people out. This may be due to the lack of of daylight this is left, as they will dock in about 2 hours and will try to get back out before before dusk. There may not be enough daylight hours left to load a large amount of people on the OQ and get back out to sea.

[tcrlaf]

The other problem you have is that Americans are automatic TARGETS..

Gathering large groups of them in a War-Zone is a bad idea, without the Military support to guard them, and that takes TIME to put together...

A ship filled with American Civilians is a nice, juicy target for the bad guys. You want to get out safe? Or have your Obit posted in your hometown paper?

[Fitzcarraldo]

first trip in that the Orient Queen (OQ) makes will be only taking about 60 people out

How large is the crew?

[browardchad]

Report: US sends 2,200 soldiers to evacuate citizens from Beirut

  The United States sent five boats and 2,200 marines to evacuate American citizens from Beirut, according to reports on British news network Sky. (ynet)

(07.18.06, 16:29)

Hang in there! 

[stlnative]

Are you getting FOX News there in your hotel?

[EQAndyBuzz]

"U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon"

QUAGMIRE!!!

sorry....

[tcrlaf]

<<> Boatload of foreigners? NO... Boatload of AMERICANS? YES...

[groovejedi]

rebel_yell2 I have been reading you're posts and I think it's shameful the way some FReepers are bashing you for even being there.
Please keep safe and keep posting if you can. Your posts seem the most informative. Hope you are safe soon!

[stlnative]

I think the small load is due to it being almost 5:30pm there right now, the ship is about 1 1/2 hour away from the port currently and they want to get back out to sea before dusk. So there is probably only enough time to take (load) the 60 or so people they have waiting. These also may be special needs people.

[TET1968]

Fox News is gets low marks on their reporting about this. They built up a non breaking story about denying entry, it turned out that entry was going forward and then Fox hyped up the original breaking " Israel denies entry".

That's like reporting:

3:00pm: BREAKING !!! Reagan had died from his wounds!
3:00pm to 3:15......follow up conjecture and speculation

3:15pm This just in, Reagan did not die of his wounds, he's doing fine.

3:16pm: Replay....BREAKING !!! Reagan had died from his wounds!
3:16pm to 3:30. Replay conjecture and speculation

If the israeli military did not think the port was secure, why not just say that?
I think John & his producer need to improve.

[mtbopfuyn]

I doubt it's only because of losing daylight. They've been talking about 60 passengers for hours. Besides they hadn't planned on being slowed down by the Israel blockade nor did they know if they'd be given free passage at this time. Seems more than likely they already had a list of "special" passengers. But who knows since none of us know what's really going on behind the scenes.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.
"Why is the French bureaucracy more efficient than our own?"

The French have a history in Lebanon. The French are buddies to the Islamonazis while anything flying the American flag is a minion of The Great Satan and a potential target.

I'm curious about a couple of things. How are you staying on line, and have you seen any Americans or other foreigners directly endangered by anyone yet?

I'm also curious as to why you would expect more from the State Department than you are getting. Look to the military or your own wits if you want out or get on that French flag ferry. Other than that, all you can do is hunker down and keep sending posts to the FreeRepublic.

Think of the stories you will be able to tell at parties when you get home.

Michael Frazier