Israel/Lebanon

[skcin]

OK, let's try to have an intelligent calm discussion about this, shall we?

So. I must repost what Gldstwmn posted before the thread was locked:

CNN is reporting that there are Israeli ground troops going into southern Lebanon. And this photograph breaks my heart:


The Esseily family anxiously awaits evacuation from Beirut.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/...ily/index.html

U.S. family: Get us out of Lebanon
Parents and children hear bomb explosions all night
By Kate King
CNN

Tuesday, July 18, 2006; Posted: 10:46 p.m. EDT (02:46 GMT)

The Esseily family was winding up a vacation in Lebanon when the airstrikes began. Nearly a week later, they're still looking for a way to get back to California.

Tony and Monika Esseily and their three children were asleep in their apartment, nearing the end of a month-long holiday, when Israel began bombing Beirut.

"It was an extreme shock when I woke up and -- actually, we heard it," Monika Esseily told CNN. "3:20 in the morning, we got up, and the whole sky was just alit. And I'm like, 'Oh no, oh no, oh no.' "

Beirut's airport was closed after Israel warplanes bombed its runways, and every night is punctuated by the sound of airstrikes.

"I have two kids [and] a baby, and they're scared. I'm scared," Esseily said. "First time I've ever encountered something like this."

OK. So./ I hope they are safe, and I hope they get home soon.

BUT.

What the F*CK are they doing on vacation in Lebanon?!?! I'm assuming they have family there? Perhaps? Because that is the one & only reason I could see to go on vacation in LEBANON! The place has been a war zone on & off since I was a kid, I certainly wouldn't be going there on holiday.