Who is who's client state?

I find this absolutely stunning, by this time I shouldn't, but nonetheless:

Why did it take the United States so long to evacuate it's citizens?

Individuals within the State Department, I am told, have been reluctant to create an impression that the Israeli assault on Lebanon is as bad as it is or that civilian U.S. citizens are being threatened by U.S. ally Israel.

American citizens are put at greater risk so the Israeli's wouldn't look so bad.

Cue Lee "Fuckin'" Greenwood.