Posted on 07/18/2006 12:46:21 AM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Rebel,
Can you get on the Orient Queen? Reports are saying it's in the Beirut ports now and they plan to load 700-1000 US citizens.
Also, Americans are no longer required to pay any kind of fee to get out.
This is not "about me". It is about America's strongest ally preventing thousands of Americans from exiting a war zone, albeit one created by Hizbollah.
Don't you get this simple concept?
P.S. My "personal feelings about Israel" have been 100 percent supportive up to this issue. I was working in Jerusalem two weeks ago. I fully support the TOTAL elimination of Hizbollah (and their puppeteers in Tehran).
I don't know if you want to read any of this, or how factual any of them truly are so take them with a grain of salt and, perhaps, be prepared for things to escalate fast.
Hizbullah missiles hampering Israeli air force operations (World Tribune)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668205/posts
Ahmadinejad promises Muslims will 'rejoice' soon
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1667996/posts
The Syrian Option [Superb analysis alert]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668203/posts
You can cite the reg til you turn purple but the fact is: most travellers don't register! Ask any State Dept official. Those regs have been cited a dozen times today and they still don't change the facts. And one Freeper's comment does not a statistically valid sample make. Let's stick to reality.
I hope to board tomorrow. I will send my $161 to support Free Republic!!! (including all of you finger-pointers who have never left your living rooms).
Ma'an: Nasrallah Will Give Tel Aviv Residents One Hour to Flee
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1668115/posts
Good for you.
That was an interesting, helpful post. Please add me to the list of FReepers interested in that booklet.
'Twas a BIT more than that; HB was already shooting missiles into civilian territories of Israel. Israel came to the conclusion that it was engaged with an enemy that would not "talk" at all but could only be dealt with the hard way.
I am very surprised at the total lack of support you are getting from some of your fellow freepers. Some would rather split hairs and pound sand with you than offer any kind of assistance. Don’t ya love it?
Got a lot of nerve, I hope it sees you through while you 'hunker down' in your hotel except to run out to get money and food and then run back to wait for the Marines, who (by the way) HAVE left their living rooms.
Israel frankly does not care about the plight of the foreigners in Lebanon. They're not "preventing" you from leaving because it's not about you. They are doing what they have to do and attacking strategic sites. Every warrior knows that airports, ports, roads and bridges are the primary targets.
Sorry if you feel you are "hostage" in Lebanon but you are not. Don't try to glorify yourself. You were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. You chose to take a job there. That tax free paycheck didn't hurt until now, huh?
I am quite connected to the Middle East expat community and I can guarantee you that it is standard practice to make sure the government knows where we are if we are in hostile territory. Perhaps because you don't live there, you are not aware of how expats do things.
I don't think Rebel can see this right now. Fear and exhaustion can do strange things. I don't know how I would act, in his shoes I hope he/she comes to see things differently, later.
I do have concerns about large groups of Americans and our military being in danger though. We must evacuate but I'm praying for them all.
The US facility is usually pretty easy to find.
When we visited Tanzania, our driver immediately took us to the Embassy of his own accord. Of course, I felt more unsafe there but other than the WTC, the terrorists haven't seemed to hit the same target twice so I guess it was okay. We checked in and went on our way.
Obviously in Paris or London or Amsterdam I don't register. It just seems silly although I could be on the Tube when it's bombed or in the middle of a crazy car burning riot and find myself wishing I had registered, but I don't.
I was just looking for clarification. Trying to parse that out in over 700 posts is a bit hard. Good luck with your journey. Stay safe.
We are sending our sons and daughters for him. Is it too much to ask for a "thank you, instead of a what is taking you so long"
We are sending our sons and daughters for him. Is it too much to ask for a "thank you, instead of a what is taking you so long"
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