Ok, think fast. You're in Beirut. You're white, obviously not a local. Airport's closed, boats not running. Oh, did I mention bombs and bullets are flying. You've got 2 days to get to Chicago. And the State Dept. keeps telling you to stay put...as if you could get anywhere, what with being surrounded by hostile countries and all. Go!
Can I play? I contact the Jordanian, Russian, and Turkish embassies. Rat out the U.N. child molesters that I met at the shopping center and the hotel bar. Photographs and cell-phone pix help. In an effort to cover their complicity, the EU selects a few dozen Americans to board each of their evac units. The Saudi's, Egyptians, and Emirates play along; yet will pass a resolution forbidding further US involvement.
I would not blame anyone but myself for my situation, after all I chose to be there right? I would be praying, and I would not expect the US gov't to save my butt. I would be thrilled beyond belief if they did. I would expect Israel, US, and any other countries involved to do what was best for their country and not expect them to drop everything to rescue me. I would not expect to be told much if any information- if everyone knew rescue or other plans before the time was right they would likely fail in time of hostilities.
If I could post on FR, I would explain my situation without blaming or trashing SD, Israel or others and I would ask if anyone had any suggestions for me. I would show personal responsibility and a little humbleness by saying flat out, I realize now I should have probably done x,y, and z- but I didn't so can anyone offer ideas or help of any sort?
Good post!!! LOL!!