Israel Barrier Cuts Off Arab Jerusalem

[CShine]

The security barrier Israel is building to keep bombers out of Jerusalem also would cut off Arab residents who moved to an upscale suburb to escape overcrowding and enjoy some space. For years, the mostly well-off residents of A-Ram, including English speakers with U.S. passports, have had it both ways — living outside Jerusalem but enjoying the benefits of residency. They watched helplessly Wednesday as bulldozers cleared the way for a 15-foot wall between their village and Jerusalem.

Many voiced complaints shared by tens of thousands of other Palestinians who would be cut off from services by the barrier. A 15-minute drive to school for Zaki Harhash's three children could soon become a two-hour obstacle course through military checkpoints once the barrier is built.

Most of the residents of A-Ram have blue Jerusalem identity cards that allow them freedom of movement in the city and throughout Israel, unlike fellow Palestinians with orange West Bank cards. They can move through Israeli checkpoints only if they have rare special permits.

Israel says the barrier is needed to stop suicide bombers, who have killed hundreds of Israelis during more than three years of conflict. Palestinians charge that the barrier is a land grab, dipping into the West Bank to encircle some settlements.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=736&e=7&u=/ap/20040609/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_harsh_divider

[iconoclastic cat]

1. Why aren't moderates in Israel publicly freaking out about this?

Sharon has lost his gourd.