February 27, 2001

Typing out a visa application to the US.

American movies and stars have enormous sway here in the Middle East.

A scene that is becoming more familiar around here, as a friend of ours is filing a visa application for the US. This is becoming more and more frequent, particularly among the Palestinian Christian community. The recent unrest has accelerated some departures, as lack of work and closures (as well as a failed peace process) are strangling everyone here. Christians seem to have more connections to the West, though we pleaded with our friend to wait at least two and a half more years...Our friend Don Wagner has just completed a book on this subject, titled Dying in the Land of Promise. Perhaps its the iridescent glow of Chris Rock that lures them...