Extraordinary Security Measures Near Diplomatic Missions over Syria Strike Fears
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The Lebanese Armed Forces have taken exceptional security measures around several diplomatic missions over fears of reprisal attacks in response to a possible U.S. military action in Syria, informed sources said.
The sources told An Nahar daily published on Saturday that both security agencies and the army took the measures around the missions to thwart a possible attack after several threats were made against the U.S. embassy and other European delegations.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut said Friday that its non-essential staff and family members are being evacuated from Lebanon because of "threats to U.S. mission facilities and personnel."
The Department of State urged U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon “because of current safety and security concerns,” noting that “U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks.”
Shortly after the announcement, about 150 people gathered for a protest near the U.S. embassy compound in Awkar north of Beirut. Police kept the protesters confined to a square on the road leading to the heavily fortified embassy.
The protection of diplomatic missions was a topic of discussion among the members of the Higher Defense Council which convened at Baabda palace under President Michel Suleiman on Friday.
Council members were briefed by the security and military officials on the measures aimed at protecting civil peace and fighting terrorism to confront plots in addition to safeguarding diplomatic missions, said a statement issued after the meeting.
07 September 2013, 08:51
179
Good luck yah Amrican , there are full hearted protection or there are Half Hearted , I think the later applies ! There is now protection as long as you follow the Israeli Agenda ! I think you should evacuate All Amriky from Lebanon!
Signed Wolf !
07 September 2013, 09:38
1010
I think you should do a swap - all Americans in Lebanon, for all Lebanese in USA. Wolf - you'll lose.
07 September 2013, 09:47
96
Yes just start like that you'll end in Da7iyyeh and unable to move anywhere in the world. The USA don't need Lebanon. Lebanon needs the USA, as it needs France or other countries. Not giving safety to foreigners will end very bad for all Lebanese. And for you as well Wolf.
Signed a worried fellow
07 September 2013, 10:57
149
Safety ? Yah KJ ? We lebanese have provided safety to over 800 000 Palestinan Rfugees , over 300 000 to Arminians, over 60 000 Kurds , & now to 1.1 million Syrians ! Tell your Israeli , Turks & American friends that we are only a land if 10 452 sq km with only a population of 4.5 million registered Lebanese ! Let us see the havoc that the US will unleash in our country if they decide to attack Syria ! Would the US or Israel accept a surge of 50 % or more of refugees against their current population of 300 000 000 plus ? This would account to approx. of 150 000 000 in the US or 3million in Israel or 40 million in Turkey ! How on earth would they cope ?
Signed Wolf !
07 September 2013, 11:13
1411
_-_wolf_-_, I've never been too fond of the refugee situation in Lebanon. Not after the civil war, not after Nahr El Bared, not after Tripoli as Assir thought they were the first door to knock for treason. I always had the perspective of ratios (e.g. 1 in 5 is a refugee in Lebanon) rather than percentages and quantitative integers. Your analysis provided me with a new, even more frightening perspective as to the danger and volatility Lebanon now faces in light of this potentially insurmountable peril.
The very least they can do is abide by the rule of law, the laws dictating the country. Was their no pertinent mention of accountability and violations of the law?
On a side note, Jordan's suffering quite a bit too, and though harbors less refugees than Lebanon is, it's still quite under pressure seeing as how it's literally a desert meaning scarce water. Eh, at least they don't invade Lebanon for its precious water supplies.
07 September 2013, 23:57
00
Wow, so now are you not only saying israel controls events in morocco, Tunisia, Lybia, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, turkey, syria, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain Qatar....,the entire GCC and most of the Arab League.......all through the control of 7 million Jews on a tiny sliver of land and 8 million more scattered around the world.....not enough. Now the US is following Israel's lead.....we in the US have turned over our foreign policy (ok, I admit that's a bit of a mess) to following Israel.
I am Jewish in the US. I have many Lebanese and other Arab friends. I admit israel makes mistakes, as do all Arab countries. My Arab friends and I agree. BUT.........
As long as radicals control countries, and as long as individuals follow the cult of hate that pervades the Arab world, you will continue to fall behind the rest of the world in trying to get along, cure the planet's ills, and make an enjoyable life for its citizens.
08 September 2013, 06:00
11
Uh, the-stig, the Israelis are lobbying for US intervention (but not Israeli intervention, they stated explicitly). So your point is more or less moot.
07 September 2013, 09:48
1510
Mrs Phillip
I'm referring to the diplomats you under average IQ Jew !
Signed Wolf !
07 September 2013, 11:12
1510
Us Lebanese have & continue to do the impossible ! We are humble people , having said that , if any one tries to cross " our Red Line " of integrity then we shall take Any Cause of Action against any enemy of our Holy Cedar Land ! No matter who it is ! We will show no mercy! We lebanese might seem divided , but when push comes to shove we will unite against any enemy that tries to over step their mark against us ! We have survived for thousands of years & we shall survive Any Challenges that shall come in future ! We are not cursed like the Jews , we have never ever been kicked out of country ever , & never intend to happen !
Signed Wolf !!
07 September 2013, 11:19
1510
"but when push comes to shove we will unite against any enemy"
Sorry _-_wolf_-_, but that's not what history recounts. We take sides with this or that, and justify it by ethnic, religious, or political ideals of security and oneness rather than the ubiquitous encompassment of national identity. Sad, but corroborated by history.
07 September 2013, 11:23
117
lebanon does not exist anymore, it has become only a far away dream...
07 September 2013, 11:42
00
you have chronic depression peace? You are very depression and very wrong too!! Most likely a non-lebanese shill hired to spread psychological despair! Stop preaching wrongness and the unpreachable. If you believe lebanon is dead then blame yourself and wallow in your pitiful depressive state!!! Otherwise MAN UP because this country is still in our hands and we need to FIGHT for it instead of wallowing in self loathing! Stop moaning and do something jeez, this ain't the lebanese spirit that has endured much MUCH more!!!!
07 September 2013, 11:50
1010
Since everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, i usually don't like to criticize the opinions of others; however, i would like to point out that many of the posts that harshly criticize and insult others(wolf,rbaker...) are usually quite ridiculous themselves. I often read these types of posts and contemplate whether or not to explain why some of these statements are either illogical or irrational but sometimes opt out in order to spare myself from having to debate with a wall.
07 September 2013, 12:26
910
Endless
I agree with you , it is frightening concerning the Refugee Problem in Lebanon ! I have been an advocate of placing the Syrian Refugees' in their OWN land , " the Glolan Heights " ! As far as the Palestinians they should be returned to their rightful Land " the West Bank " ! If Israel is boasting how good they have been towards the injured Syrians by treating a mere few in their Hospitals , then they should , if serious , about peace , then allow the Palestinians at the very least from Lebanon , to the West Bank !
As for point no. 2 , no one has the right to invade any country , nor us or ISRAEL ! They are the menace in our Region ! I say it as I see it !!!!
Signed Wolf !
07 September 2013, 18:03
110
Well said phoenix, thumbs down pertain ing what you said is uncalled for.
