U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon

LATimes ^ | July 18, 2006 | Megan K. Stack

[rebel_yell2]

BEIRUT — Thousands of Americans whose vacations and business trips to Lebanon have degenerated with sickening speed into stints in a battle zone remained stranded here under Israeli bombardment Monday, their frustration and anger mounting because the U.S. government hasn't gotten them out faster.

Waiting around Beirut with bags packed and fingers crossed, U.S. citizens derided the embassy for busy phone lines, a lack of information and gnawing uncertainty over when and whether they will get out. Hundreds were expected to be shipped to Cyprus today, but how long the full evacuation will take remains uncertain.

[DvdMom]

I don't like France either , but they have helped us before .

During WW2 France was horrible to the Jewish people

Also During WW2 The USA was horrible to the Jewish People . Have you every heard of the boat the St. Louis ?????????

[Peach]

#1. The poster you agreed with seems to think Rebel is on vacation, which is what I stated.

#2. I don't even know you so it's extremely unlikely that you now me and I don't stir up trouble so you're extremely mistaken about that.

#3. You are the person calling another freeper liar and seemingly under the misimpression that I had someone banned, so if anyone is trying to stir up trouble, it sounds just like you. It's called projection and you're doing it.

[Tammy8]

Yes that freeper was banned for arguing with a mod., that much is true. That freeper was also pretty frustrated with you at the time,for calling people liars and throwing insults and taking posts out of context- that fueled his anger and you know it. You also refused to actually answer him after you stirred him up. Now you are doing the same thing with other posters- so I am sure if a mod is alerted again it is a distinct possibility that someone you have going off will get banned. And you know it, don't play innocent.

[Peach]

now=know

[conservative in nyc]

But it is noted by a lot of people in a lot of countries that somehow France was able to extract their people a lot faster. Why is that? Weren't they afraid of being shot at?

As Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a Canadian TV network "there's a small thing called the Atlantic Ocean between us and the Mediterranean". France doesn't have that problem. Lebanon is a former French colony, and has better relations with them than the US. So the Lebanese government wasn't trying to stall any evacuation of French citizens. And yes, the French security concerns are somewhat lower compared to the US - France hasn't even labeled Hezbollah as the terrorist group it is, as far as I know.

That being said, the State Department (like all big bureaucracies) isn't blameless. They're usually horrible at disseminating information and managing expectations on a good day. It hasn't been a good day to be in Beirut for a week.

[Peach]

#1. So if you're admitting that a poster was suspended/banned for arguing with a mod, why did you say maybe you'd get banned too for arguing with me?

#2. That freeper had every right to be frustrated with me. He/she said that freepers had family members involved with the extraction and it was upsetting to read Rebel's words. When I asked for a link and who was involved in the extraction (so I could thank them) none was given.

#3. That same freeper said I'd damned him/her to hell. When I asked for a link to that, he/she couldn't provide one. In other words, that freeper lied.

#4. Which question didn't I answer from said freeper?

#5. How am I going to get a freeper banned? For arguing with me? Once again, no one got banned for arguing with me but for arguing with a mod.

The paranoid level here is so high I wonder how people would do surrounded by bombs and people who want to kill Americans.

[Tammy8]

You posted directly to me about all the lying and call me paranoid- nice try but no cigar. Either make it real plain to others that I was not the one you meant or show proof now of my lying.

France has not been a friend of the US on many many occasions in the recent past and yes they have been snuggleing up to terrorists, selling goodies to bad guys, etc. You know this do not pretend to be so dense when it suits you.

[DvdMom]

The boat is called the U.S.S. St. Louis .

America should have helped the Jewish people during WW 2

[Peach]

Thank you for a calm answer, although clearly I understand about the geographic differential.

How has Lebanon tried to stall our efforts at extraction? It's an honest question -- I hadn't heard this.

Upthread someone posted that since the jihadists are friends of the French, of course it was easier for them to extract their citizens. I laughed at the time, but France has suffered terrorist attacks on and off for years and that's why this French judge, whose name I can't remember, is one of the first people the FBI called on (not after) 9/11. He'd had years of experience trying the jihadists.

[Tammy8]

Ah, lets see that was how long ago? I'm sure nothing has changed since then, right?

I know France was on our side during the Revolutionary War, I did get past 3rd grade. You do like to insult people don't you?

[Tammy8]

You're all

Who all are you talking to? You posted it to me and I certainly don't agree with everything posted on this thread. Have you bothered to read my posts on this thread before deciding to attack me? I didn't think so.

[daybreakcoming]

Just a quick two cents - been reading this thread off and on. The Beruit Freeper. I'm assuming his only TV news coming from CNNi and BBC slant had to add to his fear and frustration - he may not have been himself no matter how many FReepers were trying to assure him the Marines were coming. I, for one, will give him the benefit of doubt. If anyone has ever been overseas with only those two English speaking networks then (in my best Hillary voice) you know what I'm talking about. We each think we know what we would do and say in his situation - hope to God we never have to truly know. Godspeed to him and any and all GOOD Americans trying to get out of that 'ellhole.

[Peach]

Either make it real plain to others that I was not the one you meant or show proof now of my lying.

Are your emotions so overwrought that you cannot read? That MUST clearly be the case.

Nice dodge on not answering any of the questions posed to you, btw.

[Tammy8]

Well, now I know that reading comprehension has gone out the window.

Finally a little something we can agree on. I haven't noticed much reading comprehension on the part of you and DvdMom on this thread.

[Iwo Jima]

Good for you for taking those two on. They've insulted enough people.

[conservative in nyc]

How has Lebanon tried to stall our efforts at extraction? It's an honest question -- I hadn't heard this.

There were unconfirmed reports, perhaps on the live thread, that the Lebanese government wasn't letting the US-chartered ship dock. I don't know whether this is true, and don't think I saw any link to any article. But the Lebanon has such close ties to the French government that the French Foreign Minister paid a visit earlier in the week in solidarity with the Lebanese people. The Lebanese would likely jump through hoops for the French, who have been the most critical of Israel among the G-8.

There were also reports that the Israelis were holding the ship up, which might actually be somewhat true. Apparently the chartered cruise ship was already in Cyprus, waiting to go to its final port in Lebanon, and was carrying a few hundred Lebanese who wanted to come home. The Israelis may have boarded it to vet those on board.

[DvdMom]

Do you think rebel feels insulted by you ?

[Peach]

You're all Who all are you talking to?

You're objecting to my saying this:

You're all entitled to your feelings as I'm entitled to mine. I'm not trying to change your mind but when I see outright lies posted about him or his posts, I'll challenge them.

Tell me that you aren't this sensitive that I can't say "You're all entitled to your feelings..."

Holy cow.

[DvdMom]

If you know so much about Israel , what was the St.Louis ?

[Peach]

I do KNOW what you're talking about. LOL. Good points.

And that's my only point. Not only supporting a freeper in a war zone but also condemning those freepers who have outright mischaracterized his statements.