I think that probably most of my readers more often get the Israeli perspective than the Arab one. Today I read an article about the travels of one Arab professor who frequently flies in and out of Israel. I think it’s worth reading to get a feel for the difficulties of life on the other side.
Interesting article; anyone who has traveled can relate to some degree of such frustration. It’s a coincidence (for me) that you posted this today – I haven’t been reading much about the Middle East lately but just today read a news article about the financial suffering the people of Jenin are going through:
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070316/lf_nm/palestinians_gold_dc).
My thought when I read it: that really sucks. People are suffering. I also looked at a couple of Palestinian media clips from MEMRI TV: A Palestinian newsman who interviewed two small children who are proud of their mother for killing 5 Jews as she blew herself up; a guy who claims that Jews are “genetically bloodthirsty and criminal.” (http://www.memritv.org/#)
I don’t have any profound comment to make, but you’re right -seeing both sides in a day is a good reminder to be balanced in the exposure I allow myself on Middle East issues. No doubt some people are suffering innocently – but many others voted for Hamas (or support the intifada, etc.) and are suffering the consequences of that. Or you could put that the other way.
I really, really feel for that guy. I mean, I don’t know what I would do if had to be separated from my MacBook. I might just cancel the flight altogether. What is this world coming to?!