Mideast digs out from under rare snowstorm

[Wonk]

JAMAL HALABY, Associated Press Writer
(02-15) 10:24 PST (AP) --

AMMAN, Jordan -- A rare storm dumped more than two feet of snow on parts of the Middle East, breaking power lines in Lebanon, collapsing a wall at a holy site in Israel and delaying talks between Israelis and Palestinians. At least one person was killed.

In the capital of this desert kingdom, snowmen lined the streets of Amman on Sunday, and children sledded on plastic tubs and bowls. Parts of Jordan received as much as 21/2 feet of snow, and more was reported in outlying Lebanese and Syrian villages.

(snip)

Icy roads prompted Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to postpone a round of talks scheduled for Sunday, aimed at preparing a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart Ahmed Queria. No new date was set. Palestinian ministries were shut Sunday.

(snip)

In Jerusalem, heavy snow caused an old wall to collapse on the ramp leading to the Temple Mount, a site holy to Jews and Muslims. No one was injured. Prayers in the adjacent women's section at the Western Wall were canceled.

more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/02/15/international1324EST0469.DTL

[Tinoire]

1. That's all we need now. The cold day in hell.

How often does this happen? Damn. I am not liking this week at all!

[drewb]

2. This is what happens when you piss off G-D...

:loveya:

[GabysPoppy]

3. Actually

The kids in the North are getting a snow day off from school. They are having a ball. Many of the younger kids have never experienced snow before.

Sleds not being a big seller in Israel, my sister has made some makeshift sleds using some cardboard and large baggies for the younger kids in her neighborhood.

I hardly think G-d is pissed off seeing the kids laughing and carrying on. It sure beats learning to run into a bomb shelter when the siren goes off.

[JohnLocke]

4. Well said, GabysPoppy

In some ways I wish I were their instead of in Florida. :) :)

[Muddleoftheroad]

5. It snowed in the mountains

When I was in Jerusalem a few years ago. I didn't see it, but it fits with my travel history.

[GabysPoppy]

6. LOL

I was in Jerusalem during one of its rare snows. 1/8" of an inch threw traffic patterns in a tizzy because many also had never seen snow there and didn't know how to deal with it. In retrospect, it was quite funny.