Thanks to the posts here, I was able to easily pull off my door panel and replace the plastic clip on the rod connected to my outside door handle when it broke. I can now open my door form the outside.
While the clip was broken, I forgot not to roll down my window ( I'm just too neighbourly). Consequently, I couldn't open my door from the inside. It remains that way. The rod is not broken, nor is the cable from the inner door handle. When I pull the inner door handle, I can see the rod travelling, but it doesn't seem to travel far enough to release the door. This is so, even when I disconnect the plastic clip from the outer door handle to allow free travel. I suspect the rod may be damaged in its weak point, the slot where it hooks to the inner door handle. Unfortuneately, I can't see in there. Any advice on what may be the problem and how to fix it would be greatly appreciated.

 

take the panel off, then try to pull on the release cable with your hand to see if the door opens from the inside. If it does not, you may need to replace the door lock mechanism.

 

My mistake, turns out the rod was broken. It was broken at its weak spot........across the slot or forks. It managed to hang up in there pretty good, and fooled me into thinking it wasn't broke.

I'm positive I broke this when I forgot not to bring down the window while the rod was hanging loose from the plastic clip being broken. Given my time back, I would have put tape over the switch, to override my forgetfullness.

Now I have to figure out how to repair this twisted piece and get it back in the door.