Monday, October 29, 2007
I just have to make this comment/observation/clarification on why the Palestine football team did not make it for the match against Singapore. I mean we can never be sure; unless of course they come out to explain their absence. But I feel that the speculation done by the press is pretty much unfair to them. In my opinion, a little ignorant of the situation the Palestinians face.
My guess is that the team probably knew that being 0-4 down after the first leg, it really did not merit the hassle of getting the permits to play in Singapore. Not sure how many of you are aware, but if you are a Palestinian, you need around four to five permits just to travel out of either West Bank or Gaza. These permits are certainly not an entitlement and can be revoked anytime; even on the day of travel. There is no need for the authorities to give any reason on why they are revoking the permit or not wanting to issue it.
These permits work like a little day pass or should I say time pass. Say your flight is 10am, your permit may only allow you to leave West Bank/Gaza say around 8am or 9am and you will have to make your way to the airport. If there is any delay at the checkpoints or on the road, good luck, because (if I remember correctly), you can be arrested for using an expired pass. Yes, that means you are also going to miss the flight. What I understand, it is also very difficult to get the passes that allow you to travel to another country and students have been known to have been denied to passes to study abroad on a scholarship.
On why they did not make a phone call or email or something like that. I am not sure about the former, but what I understand is that it is pretty common for the West Bank and Gaza to have power cuts and disruption in telecommunication. Also, it is really not everyone there who can afford or gain access to a computer. Moreover, with the supposed daily incursions, no on really can say what happened over there.
Also, Palestinians are not rich and to send a team of footballers to play in a relatively meaningless match is really a luxury. I am always in for sportsmanship, but in this case, I think the money can be used for much more meaningful purposes. Instead of criticising the Palestinians for not coming to Singapore, I feel the more pressing questions are why are they not here and if something had happened to them.
Oh yes, just something to note. The passes, permits and electricity etc are not given and run by the Palestinian government (Fatah or Hamas, depending on whether you believe in democracy). Palestine is essentially under occupation (though many people might disagree with me on this).
On a whole different point, I am now enjoying myself watching movies from the past. I think Factory Girl has made me want to watch more classics. I am now starting to watch movies by Audrey Hepburn and am loving them. The whole world does seem simpler than; censorship, no computer generated effects and just good storyline. Brilliant.
he spoke at 7:12 pm
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