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 ...
So there you have it. The US brings in a ship and gives you a naval escort.
God Bless this country. These people are just great.
They just interviewed another American who got out on the French ship and he said they were under fire and lucky to get out alive.
I had a friend in Tehran during the hostage taking- he worked for a private company and the company he worked for got him and their other employees out. He told me the companies the Americans that he knew worked for got them out- not the US Gov't.
I do think the US government should do whatever it can to get you and other US citizens out; but what about your employer? What is your employer doing right now to help you get out? Working in a foreign country is always dangerous- did you and/or your company have a plan in place? The truth is the US Government can't protect all US citizens all over the world. I do agree they should try, but when I travel I don't count on the gov't to be able to help me if things go wrong. I would hope they could but not expect it.
I will pray for your safety.
An American school teacher was interviewed and she stated that.
Further proof this isn't an easy process. The American government wants to ensure as much protection and safety as possible, or more will be at risk.
rebel_yell2
Some of the posts to you remind me of the movie "Airplane" - the guy with the contrary TV opinion editorializing: "They bought their tickets, they knew the risks. I say: Let them crash!"
Freepers who make such horrible statements not only show their lack of compassion, but also their ignorance. Thousands of people throughout the world (a lot of them Lebanese who have immigrated from Lebanon) vacation in Lebanon every year. It is not unusual for foreigners to totally fall in love with the country. Last summer I was vacationing in Lebanon, and the Swiss girlfriend of a friend of mine was visiting there with him for the first time. She literally cried on her last night there as she was saying her goodbyes. The bottom line is that Lebanon has been at peace for years, and these events were unexpected. Blaming the people who are stuck there is totally unfair. I pray for your safe return.
If you think this is just a PR war, then what is your worry? I say kick back, relax and enjoy.
I have a couple of thoughts on this. Number one, it probably ISN'T safe, and that's why the U.S. is taking careful precautions and not making a hasty evacuation. Number two, this is just my opinion and I'll get hammered for it, but while I pray for and feel sorry for whoever is trapped in Lebanon, one must realize the inherent risks of traveling/working in such a place. I remember being in Moscow while a tunnel was bombed by Chechen terrorists. On one hand, I wanted out of the country. On the other, I realized the danger and the risk I placed myself in - in the first place. People need to take a deep breath. They'll get out. The Lebanese Government, I guarantee is working with liasons from France, Italy, Russia, the US, and other countries to ensure a safe evacuation. They're not complete idiots, trust me.
It's not a lot of freepers. It's the same malcontents posting over and over.
Then there are others who jump and conclude right in the middle of the thread.
Some of these folks would pass you on a highway accident. Cuz it's your own fault you got in one.
The two ships on route to Lebanon now, HMS Illustrious and HMS Bullwark may not be the size of the Queen Mary, but they can still carry a great number of passengers - especially for the short trip to Cyprus.
If the British ships are closer, why don't they take U.S. citizens as well? Several trips if necessary.
Prayers for the safety of our folks over there.
Help is on the way.
Fox has stated that the phone system cannot even handle the number of calls to the American Embassy in Lebanon. Why on earth are Americans even there?......this started weeks ago and has been escalating ever since.
This just posted.
U.S. orders sailors, Marine Expeditionary Unit to help in Lebanon evacuation
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1667847/posts
This just posted.
U.S. orders sailors, Marine Expeditionary Unit to help in Lebanon evacuation
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1667847/posts
If State does not expedite the evacuation of those Americans stranded, you are right. That is exactly how it will be viewed.
Once Israel enters on the ground, there should be plenty of allied firepower close to Beirut.
I was thinking the French seem more effecient maybe due to the fact that they have a better relationship with terrorists. But you put it much nicer.
not true.....I"m hearing from many sources that the evac is a joke.....just cause there is bad news and Bush is in power does not mean it is not true......investigate the facts and just don't dismiss them cause it is the LA or NY Times.....we already know they hate us....but sometimes they are accurate
FR does sort out opinion well at times....but other times it can be just as bad as Kos when the news is not to their liking....look at all the hateful BS crap throw around here when some Repub senator or congressman does not vote their way....instead of debate and such....they evolve into name calling and childish behavior
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