Cradle Snatchers Stranded

In one part of the world it's called paedophilia, or at the very least carnal knowledge, in another it's all part of the local custom:

SOME Australian Lebanese men have stayed behind in war-ravaged Beirut after officials refused to evacuate their teenage "child brides".

A spokesman for the immigration department (DIMA) told AAP some dual passport holders had turned up at evacuation points with wives younger than 18 – the legal age for marriage in Australia.

The men were told by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers that while such marriages were legal in some societies, they were not recognised in Australia and no spouse visa could be issued.

-- Nora