It can't be very easy shifting thousands of people quickly though. I heard on our news that there are 10,000 Brits in southern Lebanon/north Israel. I think that's an amazing number - I can't think they are all tourists, even if it is the holy lands.
Anyway, the RN has a carrier and an assault ship in the east med now, but there is no way they have the capacity to move 10,000 people in one go - maybe not even in half a dozen trips. As for air transport - I thought the israelis were bombarding the airport?
what is it like 25,000 Americans in Lebanon? thats a few 747's or a few ships...
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.