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.

[xcamel]

Sorry - I meant Shi'ia
and at one time, Lebanon was 80% christian.

[CindyDawg]

I started to mention that when I saw the ATMs post but figured , nah. He/she is upset enough already:')

[conservative in nyc]

at one time, Lebanon was 80% christian.

Maybe a few centuries ago. But in 1932, when the last census was taken in Lebanon, Christians made up 54% of the population.

There's a religious quota system for seats in the Lebanese parliament. It used to be that Christians received 6 seats for every 5 Muslim seats. Now, the ratio is 1 to 1.

[captnorb]

Get yourself out.......The state dept has warned of possible trouble in that area for years......yet some go (it's called self determination). Now, I'm crying like a baby because the US Govt hasn't held my hand and taken back home........Socialism at it's best.......

[conservative in nyc]

From the live thread:

CNN Breaking news:

-- Evacuation fees for Americans being helped to leave Lebanon will be waived, two Republican senators tell CNN.

1,033 posted on 07/18/2006 8:11:58 PM EDT by RDTF ("We love death. The US loves life. That is the big difference between us two.” Osama Bin laden)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1029 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

Great move politically. Stupid move from a risk management perspective.

[CindyDawg]

Off topic but are you male or female? I ask because most women see right through "Cindydawg" but guys tend to struggle with it :')

[xcamel]

long term, it's a really bad move.

[CindyDawg]

LOL. Nancy, criticizes something she voted for and republicans make exceptions. I didn't know they could get anything done that fast.

[DvdMom]

rebel_yell2 is doing an important job in Lebanon !

rebel_yell2 is NOT on vacation !

rebel_yell2 has stated in his prior posts he wants Syria & Iran cut off at the HEAD !!!

If i was rebel_yell2 I Would Want PRAYERS & WELL-WISHES !

[RDTF]

I know! I am amazed

[CindyDawg]

Yeah. IOUs would have been better but they wouldn't have received as much mileage from it.

[CindyDawg]

Yeah. IOUs would have been better but they wouldn't have received as much mileage from it.

[conservative in nyc]

long term, it's a really bad move.

Sure is, but it will shut up Pelosi the hypocrite ("I voted for the fees before I denounced them") and the Democrats. To me, waiving the fees is a no-brainer politically.

The main problem is that it raises expectations about what the government should be doing again - every American who ignores a travel warning will now expect their "free" evacuation from a war zone once hostilities arise. There's no such thing as a free evacuation.

[freema]

Lebanon is the very visitor friendly.

Really? I doubt very much that the Marines being sent there now think of it that way.

[rebel_yell2]

Will someone from the Israeli lobby please explain why the "blockade" of outgoing foreigners is necessary to protect their citizens?

I just don't get it.

All of my life, I have been 100% supportive of Israel, but it has lost me and lots of others on this issue.

Hizbollah took two Israeli soldiers captive to start this mess.

But then Israel took close to 100,000 foreign nationals hostage by bombing Beirut airport and imposing a blockade.

No one has kept me from leaving Beirut for the last five days except the Israeli air force and navy.

If this is incorrect, I welcome enlightenment.

[Texasforever]

I would assume you will not be returning to the middle east in the future.

[rebel_yell2]

Hypothetical. Two weeks ago I was working in Jerusalem. Let's assume that the Palestinians attacked Israel with Syrian and Iranian help, closing down exit from Israel.

Would your response be the same?

[freema]

You've got some nerve with Marines on their way to save your ass. I hope that explosion you heard wasn't your freaken cruise ship.

[GatorGirl]

Not sleeping tonight, huh? I don't blame you.

It's 0400. Get some rest if you can!

[Iwo Jima]

Calm down, Grasshopper. Focus. Focus.