*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

[null and void]

Ah. Well. Uh. Are you Lebanese? If not have you contacted your own Embassy? Might not be a bad idea...

[firewalk]

.

[ichabod1]

.

[null and void]

Thanks.

[FReepaholic]

Too bad you couldn't have hitched a ride with these guys:

Confirmed: MEA (Middle East Airlines) Fleet Evacuated To Cyprus

"MEA has evacuated its five stranded aircraft in Beirut airport to Larnaca, Cyprus."

"This operation was undertaken by taking off from one of Beirut airport's long taxiways. No passengers were onboard any of the aircraft."

[KJC1]

Perhaps you are correct. It seems I'm not the only one who was rubbed the wrong way, however.

[mpackard]

ping

[mtbopfuyn]

Rebel, Patrick, and Alouette's family - Y'all take care of yourselves and keep us updated.

[rebel_yell2]

Yes. What a waste! Those planes could have left FULL of evacuees. The Israelis bombed the runway again as soon as the MEA planes took off. I'm guessing that there is a helicopter ride in my near future. No word yet.

[Kimberly GG]

Fox reporting 3 explosions in Beirut targeting Hezbollah hqtrs. And, it is believed that Sheik Nasrallah, head of Hezbollah, may have been in one that collapsed.

Hope that you remain well.

[rebel_yell2]

I was out to a store to purchase some supplies when the attack went down. No mistaking the sound of those bombs. First time I have heard them. Hopefully, the last as well!

[P8riot]

I'm guessing that there is a helicopter ride in my near future. No word yet.

Best of luck.

[Irish_Thatcherite]

I never heard of one...

;)

[proud_yank]

;-)

[Clara Lou]

...that Sheik Nasrallah, head of Hezbollah, may have been in one that collapsed.
One can only hope that justice has been served.

[ErnBatavia]

My uncle would be rolling over in his grave...he was a Captain for Pan American, and based in Beirut (living there with his family, of course) for well over a year in either the late 50's or very early 60's....as I recall, they absolutely loved it.

[Palladin]

Sit tight. We're sending Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco over to get you all evacuated!

[sheikdetailfeather]

Rebel, the U.S. is preparing to evacuate Americans from Beruit per Fox News.

[rebel_yell2]

Power is now out in almost all of the city. My hotel is running on generator. The darkness of the city outside my window is unnatural. I fear that things are going to get much worse in the next 24 hours. A few hours ago, the entire city shook as the IAF bombed the Hizbollah HQ

I just spoke with the State Dept. in DC. They now have a "special" Lebanon task force. The staffer I spoke to refuted everything I have been told about an evacuation. He asked me to "confirm" that the five MEA planes actually left the Beirut airport. It appears that CNN knows more than State. And it looks like I will be spending much more time in Beirut than I had planned.

If you have time, please phone your Congress Critter and ask him or her what they are doing to get U.S. citizens out of harm's way here in Lebanon.

[Palladin]

Don't expect much from the State Dept. over there. You probably broke up one of their gay booze parties with your call.

It is a good idea for FReepers with DC connections to call and make the Congress aware of the situation on the ground there. Good luck, and lay low!!!