*BREAK* FReeper rebel_yell2 trapped in Lebanon

FreeRepublic ^ | July 13, 2006 | NonValueAdded

[NonValueAdded]

From Tourists Streaming into Syria from Lebanon, post 47:

To: cinives

You all might find this damn funny, but my sorry ass is marooned in Beirut, where I have been working for the IMF. If anybody has any helpful suggestions on how I can get out of this war zone, I would be most grateful. Right now, the road to Syria is the only way out of Lebanon for anyone, including U.S. citizens, and the Israelis are bombing that road. I am NOT happy with the Israelis right now. I understand their concerns about their kidnapped soldiers but bombing the Beirut Airport was not going to help them in any way.

47 posted on 07/13/2006 3:47:47 PM EDT by rebel_yell2

[Xenalyte]

A buddy of mine is married to a Lebanese, and she says:

"Lebanon is weak and has been since the end of the civil war in 1991 and has NEVER been able to regain the autonomy it had pre-civil war, circa 1975. Lebanon is NOT a terrorist state. Hizbollah is a "terrorist" entity labelled as such by Israel when Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982. Hizbollah at the time was the Lebanese resistance, who had every right to defend themselves against an invading country. Now they have outlived thier original purpose and morphed into an organiztion funded by foreign governments who desire the total destructio of Israel. Israel is a terrorist state compared to Lebanon."

I don't even know where to begin with this. Any ideas?

[KC Burke]

Haven't been in a similar situation, so my advice would be just speculation. However the idea of writing a book is worthwhile as a lot of the next few days will be waiting and waiting. That would allow you to record observations that you can't post here without endagering your life or the lives of others. It might also moderately reduce the scared s3##tless factor to be well occupied.

We all pray for you and hope for your welfare.

[pissant]

Stock up on lotsa beer and freep!

[Petruchio]

You don't have the same stressors he has by a long shot.>

What stress? According to #159 he is safer than in Chicago.

[Hot Tabasco]

Thats why it pays to have a nice housewife who washes all the hair and junk out on a daily basis. hehehe kidding

I never take offense to the truth, the "kidding" wasn't necessary......LOL!

[angkor]

"But if the phone lines are cut, a shortwave radio may be the only way to obtain information about evacuation."

True enough, you are probably right.

In my coup, we never lost comms, which surprised the heck out of me. Landlines and cells never went down.

Rule of thumb is: 1st the airport, 2nd the Ministry of Communication.

[Clara Lou]

I think TBN...
[This is a correction of a correction.] I meant "TBM." Sorry.

[angkor]

You haven't been where he is. I have.

If you were saying that s**t face-to-face under those circumstances, I'd bite your head off without hesitation.

[Palladin]

That gal is a great propagandist for Hezbollah.

[kingu]

You have communication, and a relatively safe place at the moment. You've likely registered your visit with the state department, and they have some form of communication to you if there is an evac. Next key is to not make yourself a target.

After that, review your assets. There are some corporate financial institutions who have contingency plans. Ensure that you're in communication with folks likely to have knowledge of such efforts.

If I was in a demi-combat zone, I'd want to be involved in the financial sector as they're most likely to have security concerns well planned in advance. It might also be a good idea to think about who you know and if they wouldn't mind a house guest or two over the next few days, or a sleeping bag in their office.

[rebel_yell2]

If I "insulted" anyone, I do apologize. No insult was intended. I do find the lack of knowledge of this region exhibited by several Freepers to be mind boggling, however.

[DCBryan1]

Thanks for the info...prayers up!

[Kimberly GG]

"Someone else was caught there, too - but is safe for now:"

There are American media in Beruit as well. I don't suppose they are going anywhere either.

Stay safe, return safe.

[Xenalyte]

Well, see, she's a very nice girl married to a sweetheart of a Lebanese guy, and I'm sure her in-laws have told her what to say.

Not knowing enough about the situation, I don't know how to refute her.

[angkor]

"Slinging insults and freeping from Beirut during a ME War - more power to him"

He's a real rock 'n roll star now ;-)

[DCBryan1]

Thanks for the info...prayers up!

[HAL9000]

Sorry to see you're getting insults and a lot of bad advice on this thread. Do not approach the Israelis. I doubt they'll enter Beirut on the ground anyway. Do not openly carry an American flag.

If an U.S. evac is organized, the Israelis will cooperate with it.

[null and void]

By golly you're right! Please feel free to be as rude, obnoxious and cruel as you like. He deserves it, doesn't he?

[fatima]

Prayers.

[Rte66]

Well, the original thread was pulled, which described who they are and why there - and more details that I guess were *too* detailed. That's why I was being vague.

I think the original poster is here on the thread and will add updates if they are known and can be posted. I just wanted to make sure there was cross-reference.