Evacuation vacuum

I don't get it.  I don't get what goes on in some people's heads.  How they cannot think to be on the safe side is beyond me.

During the uprisings all over North Africa, from Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt, and the Middle East in Bahrain and Yemen, how then can our fellow Canadians in Libya not want to get the heck out of there knowing that it's likely next to fall.  Why would you stay?  To help with the uprising?  For journalists and aid workers, sure, but for business or pleasure?  Visiting relatives?  Maybe there's something I don't know.  Come on!

And now, they're a bit screwed... for a while anyway.  The flight out of Rome to Tripoli was grounded due to the insurance being pulled out.  Now the government is considering military flights and ships.


Despite my disconcerting feelings here, Godspeed to them and a speedy and safe return to their native homeland should they so desire.

The importance of foreign relations

The U.S. has poured a lot of dough (average of $1.3B/yr) into Egypt and forged strong ties with it's government.

Libya?  Not so.  Only $1 million.  "We don't have personal relations at a high level. As far as I know, President Obama has never even talked to Colonel Gaddafi," said David Mack, a former senior U.S. diplomat who dealt with Libya.

The difference?

Come revolution, bloodshed.