Well, the French managed to get their citizens out. How does that affect your position?
My cousin's wife was one of the American University students studying in Beirut. A call to the office of Sen. Lugar (my cousin is from Indiana) and two days later, she's out. If rebel_yell2 wants out ASAP, maybe he can get his stateside relatives to contact his home state senator, and see what they can do. Worked for my cousin and his wife.....
Why not, they used to run the country. Plus who is going to challenge the French troops. There is no "glory" in attacking an army that traditionally throws down their guns before they can see the enemy.
I could care less about the French. They are more friendly with the Islamists. Maybe they knew what Hezbollah was up to before it started?