by Natasha Tynes | Apr 27, 2006 | Everyday me!, Jordan, my nation, Maryland Crabbiness, Travel
I’m back to the US after a hectic 20-hour trip from my parent’s place in Amman to our apartment in Maryland. The 13-hour Royal Jordanian flight from Amman to Chicago was long — way too long. I was — and still am — suffering from a nasty cold that left me coughing and sneezing for the duration of the trip. It was truly awful. As for traveling RJ, everyone on the plane was animated as usual. For some reason, the concept of reading on the plane is practically non-existent amongst the majority of RJ travelers. As a result, everyone was quite sociable and chatty, making the idea of taking a nap almost impossible.
Anyway, enough ranting about Jordan’s national carrier. The best thing about traveling with RJ is that everyone on the plane claps upon landing. Quick question: Is this only a Jordanian tendency? Don’t get me wrong; I really like it. When arriving at Chicago’s airport, the immigration official there told me "welcome home." That was when it hit me. I left home to go back home! This is my existence nowadays. I live in limbo, with my heart divided between two different places. It’s really an overwhelming and -– sometimes — trying existence!
Meanwhile, here in Maryland, the spring is just wonderful. The weather is very pleasant and the cornucopia of spring colors is simply breathtaking. Yes, I’m really glad to be back.
If I were to evaluate the two weeks I spent in Jordan, I would say that they were simply wonderful in every sense of the word. The most important thing for me was the quality time spent with my family. As for my assessment of the capital Amman, it seems to be doing really well. Money seems to be pumping into this city, as it becomes more cosmopolitan by the day. Construction is taking place literally everywhere. Brand spanking new projects are mushrooming up all over the place and the talk of foreign investments is continual.
Even my friends who mange their own businesses in the city seem quite content and optimistic. They assured me that new projects are being handed to them all the time and that their business is booming. However, everyone was complaining about the hike in gas prices in Jordan. I was shocked to realize that nowadays filling my old Kia Pride with gas requires double the amount I used to pay only a few years ago.
During my visit, I could not get myself acquainted with all the security checks taking place all over -– an aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Jordan last November. One shocking and unusual scene was finding a security guard in front of our church on Easter morning. I asked my sister about the unusual scene and she told me it was nothing compared to last Christmas when a number of police cars were parked outside the church during the service. It was really sad to realize that churches are among the potential targets in Jordan. Churches, of all things; churches that are attended by no other than Jordanians themselves.
Anyway, on a totally different subject I’m glad to announce that I returned armed with all the goodies that make life worth living: Baklava, Turkish coffee, Jameed, Arabic spices and nuts. Happy times await!
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 26, 2006 | Jordan, my nation, Media watch
The UN news agency IRIN published an article about the skepticism Jordanian journalists have expressed over the government promise to stop jailing members of the press.
Local media figures express skepticism over government assurances that a clause in a new Press Law, which allows the imprisonment of journalists for publications offenses, will be removed. "This sounds like propaganda by the regime," said Nidal Mansour, head of the Amman-based Center for Defending the Freedom of Journalists and publisher of independent weekly Al-Hadath. "The government usually makes promises about new laws, but then –- at the very last moment –- comes up with unpleasant surprises."
Last week, Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani received assurances from Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit that a clear-cut provision prohibiting jail-time for press offenses would be included in the new Press and Publications Law. The new legislation is part of the so-called "National Agenda," a wide-ranging blueprint for economic and political reform, the implementation of which has become a government priority. Source: [IRIN]
The question now is whatever happened to the National Agenda and its promises of political and economic reform? It seems it has been put on hold for the time being. After all, the Jordanian government is too preoccupied nowadays with the Hamas controversy, which continues to snowball, to worry about the demands of journalists.
by Natasha Tynes | Apr 25, 2006 | The Disturbing
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I want to extend my condolences to the Egyptians and other nationals impacted by the terrible human tragedy that befell Dahab on Monday. More than 20 people were killed in a hideous terrorist attack that rocked the peaceful coastal city — the third in the Sinai in 18 months. When will this ever stop! It really is truly disgusting and just so terribly evil!
The husband and I went to Dahab a few years ago and really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of this place; everyone seemed content and simply at peace. I hope the bombings don’t change its unique atmosphere in the long run.
Here is a picture of Dahab I took during the trip that I called The Dahab Hippies. It was by the beach where people bearing all the hippie hallmarks hung out to get a sun bath.
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by Natasha Tynes | Apr 22, 2006 | Jordan, my nation, Shutterbug
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I’ve passed by the construction site for the new 4th Circle to Abdoun air bridge a number of times during the past two weeks and each time we drove by I had to pause for a moment just to marvel at this mammoth structure.
If I’m not mistaken, this is supposed to be the Arab world’s first air bridge. It does look quite impressive at this stage, as things are shaping up. I’m looking forward to seeing how it affects Amman’s traffic when it is finally done. From what I’ve seen, it seems that the next time I’m here the bridge will be completed. We’ll see!
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by Natasha Tynes | Apr 19, 2006 | Jordan, my nation
I have to admit I was quiet shocked when I read the front page story of Al-Rai daily this morning. According to Jordanian officials, Hamas members have smuggled weapons into Jordan and have been "eyeing strategic locations in the kingdom." Here is the full story in English.
The question is why, and why now? Isn’t Hamas already fighting battles in their own backyard? Aren’t they currently being marginalized and facing intense pressure form the international community? What are they thinking, really? Another question: How will the Jordanian public react to this? Will Hamas’ popularity decrease in Jordan or will Jordanians brush this off as another conspiracy theory. I believe the latter is the most likely scenario. In this region, conspiracy theories are always, ultimately, the winner.
Meanwhile, I’ve noticed for the past two days that a number of Jordanian papers have been using the term "martyr" and "was martyred" in reference to the suicide bomber that blew himself up in Tel Aviv two days ago, killing nine civilians. With all due respect, in my humble opinion, I believe the Jordanian papers should be more responsible, staying away from the use of subjective terms to describe suicide bombers that kill unarmed civilians. Disclaimer: I do not mean to mock anyone’s beliefs. I’m making this point from a purely journalistic point of view.
I have to admit I was quiet shocked when I read the front page story of Al-Rai daily this morning. According to Jordanian officials, Hamas members have smuggled weapons into Jordan and have been "eyeing strategic locations in the kingdom." Here is