Half the people out on his ship only had cards.
"I'm concerned that these people being "rescued" out of Lebanon are terrorists. Is anyone checking to see if they are American citizens?"
Special Briefing
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 20, 2006
Lebanon Assisted Departure Special Briefing With Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Maura Harty and Department of Defense Deputy Director for Regional Operations of theJoint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier General Barbero
(snip)
And with that, I think we'll take your questions.
QUESTION: General, is there a possibility that Hezbollah agents, who might be U.S. citizens, might have even green cards, could somehow get into this mix and courtesy of the U.S. Government find themselves in Philadelphia or in Baltimore?
BGEN BARBERO: I know that the Embassy is screening all the passengers before they arrive at the point of embarkation and I COULDN'T ANSWER THAT HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION. I know there is a screening process and I know we have security forces aboard every one of these means of conveyance."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/69294.htm#departures
Not exactly reassuring. Rebel told me the screening process was a joke. But hey, they provided a Vet to screen the pets in case anyone needs, and they're providing doctors, in case anyone needs. I get the feeling that they are in PR overdrive because of Katrina. Meanwhile, we've provided free transportation for so-called "Americans" and can't be certain that none were Hezbollah.