doubt the u.s. embassy certainly encourages people to take the risk seriously. they did not provide any specific intelligence reasons as to why they are taking this measure. and it's important to note that this measure is actual lit first time lebanon, the american embassy in lebanon has reduced its staff since 2006 when there was the war between israel and hezbollah. so it gives you a sense of the gravity of the moment that u.s. officials here are considering. there are a variety of reasons, among them obvious lit tensions in syria, the possible u.s. military strike on that country. but it is also the september 11th anniversary that is approaching, there are growing concerns there may be some type of attack or threat to u.s. embassies and diplomatic facilities. keep in mind this is not based on specific intelligence according to sources but overall security climate is leading officials to make this conclusion about reducing staff, not only here in lebanon but also in neighboring turkey and southeast turkey at the u.s. consulate there. luke? >> ayman, i saw your photographs. they're extraordinary that you