Meet The NEW Open Air Prison: The West Bank!

Competition for Biggest Open-Air Prison In The Middle East must be heating up. Just ask Professor Ibrahim Abu Jaber

The West Bank has become a divided prison. In days before I could not believe the situation of Palestinian cities had become so hellish, so intolerable, these scattered prisons in a small, divided land. Now between settlements on the hills and strategic sites and the geographic network of connections to ensure easy passage between them, Palestinians must move using primitive methods across long distances.”

The good professor obviously doesn't get out much--and he apparently doesn't read the Travel Section of The New York Times either.
If he did, Abu Jaber would know that Ramallah Attracts a Cosmopolitan Crowd

Though Yasser Arafat’s floodlit tomb loomed nearby, no one was talking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at Snowbar. They were too focused on the music.

The barrier walls here are certainly intimidating, and Ramallah doesn’t have the holy mystique of Bethlehem, but this city on the West Bank has become a destination for thousands of young North Americans, Europeans and offspring of the Palestinian elite. Some work for locally based non-governmental organizations or new businesses; others are visiting. Many of the hot spots are set in restored Ottoman buildings, streamlined Art Deco houses that date from the British mandate, or atop new high-rises. Some residents say the scene is an undiscovered challenge to what Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Amman, Jordan — each a few miles but a psychological world away — offer young people in the Middle East.

Looks like the inmates are doing OK:

Here are the New York Times recommendations:

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Snowbar, Ein Samaan Street, Masayef neighborhood; 972-2-296-5571.

Orjuwan, Al Raja Street, near the Sakakini Arts Center; 972-2-297-6870; orjuwan.ps.

Café La Vie, Al Qastal Street; 972-2-296-4115; lavie-cafe.com.

Shqereh, Deir Al Roum Street, Old City; 972-2-295-4682.

The newest night spot is Beit Aneeseh (Sakakini Street; 972-2-295-2991). A sunken patio leads to the main house, with a sleek gray interior. Live music and D.J.’s on Thursdays.

WHERE TO STAY

Royal Court Suites (Jafa Street; 972-2-296-4040; www.rcshotel.com) is within walking distance of the Old City and many night spots. Standard rooms start at 270 shekels.

Nearby is Ankars Suites (Ghazi Street; 972-2-295-2602;www.ankarssuiteshotel.ps/about.htm). Its rooftop restaurant, Uptown-Sky Bar, has a view to the Mediterranean. Rooms start at $95.

The Mövenpick (Al-Nahda Square; 970-2-298-5888; www.moevenpick-ramallah.com) is scheduled to open in September. Rates are expected to start at $160.

And don't forget about the hotels:

And the turnaround is not limited to just Ramallah either.
Check out other my posts on The West Bank Turnaround.

Technorati Tag: West Bank and Ramallah.