Article October 15, 2001 Issue

WHOSE Warfare is it?

By M. K. Merelice

On the streets of Amman, Jordan, pedestrians were walking in the midday sun of a comfortable March afternoon. As an American traveler with some open time, I was out with my camera, trying to take some "people pictures" from what I hoped was a discreet, non-invasive distance.

A distinguished man in flowing galibeya and kefiya (robe and headscarf) saw my camera aimed at him and promptly marched over. As he questioned me in Arabic, I said, "I'm sorry, but I do not speak your language." Flawlessly, firmly, but not unkindly, he repeated his question in English: "I was asking, why are you taking my picture?"

"Because I'm a visitor, and this is my first time in your country," I answered. Breaking into a broad smile and extending his hand, he grected, "Ah, welcome!" We exchanged pleasantries, during which he learned that I was from the United States. On parting, he urged, "When you go back to your country, please tell the truth about the Arabs."

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