And now, the latest update from that great Woman of the World Leslie as she continues her stint in Jordan via the Peace Corps. It's very insightful to be able to get a first-hand perpective of the craziness in the Middle East right now:

"I am not sure what to say...Things have heated up in this area. The televisions show images of War: death, tanks, blood, bodies, soldiers, rocks, etc. The children are no longer allowed to watch TV because they all have nightmares from the images being portrayed. Everyone here is sad and scared and can not believe what is going on. I can hardly believe what has unfolded next door. It is like a bad dream that I see no end to. The people here watch the TV and see the homes of their relatives being destroyed. Phone lines to the West Bank have been cut off, fueling their uncertainty. They see protests around the world, but are silenced in their own land. They are bubbling with anger causing a tension so thick that you feel like you are walking through mud when you walk down the street.

"Usually when I walk through the market I am harassed, generally it is sexual harassment or shop owners asking me into the store. These comments have become normal to me. The tension is so high that today walking in town I received no comments, no invitations, nothing but an old man mumbling something about America being bad. I guess I should be happy for the lack of sly comments but instead this was very unsettling, things are defiantly shifting in this are. People are appalled at what Bush is saying and that no one is aiding the Palestinians. I have to say I wonder too where the Bush rhetoric comes from and why the US seems to be closing its eyes to the Palestinians.

"The UN has stated that things have gone to far in the West Bank, Israelis are protesting against what is taking place and refusing to fight, the rest of the world seems to be looking at both sides. I do not understand why the US is not recognizing the atrocities that are taking place. The comments by Bush that Arafat can control the suicide bombings from a cell phone is absurd, I would like to see Bush try to control a American suicide bomber that is not Republican from a cell phone. People here are ready for all out war. They call on the Arab leaders to assert themselves and fight Israel. I can not see an end to the conflict today or in the near future. On one hand I can see things escalating to the point of all out global war. On the other, I can see the potential for a ceasefire to cool things down for a while. But I think even if they do calm down those that have been put into camps, seen their loved ones shot down in hospitals or witnessed bombs outside their neighborhood cafe will not forget the atrocities that have occurred. Both sides will harbor the hate that drives this conflict and will never be willing to compromise.

"I have been in my PC friends home for the last few days where I have been waiting to see what will happen next. We are not suppose to leave, we are all just waiting. Today the US Embassy in Israel paid for those that want to be evacuated to leave, Hizbolla and Israel are exchanging fire, Iraq in curtailing oil to the US and is threatening an attack on Israel. The list of demands from the Arab summit for Palestine is absurd. Israeli will never allow repatriation of Palestinian or East Jerusalem to be the Capital of the P.N.A. creating more tension and extending the conflict. Ramala, Bethlehem, Jericho, Jerusalem and much more of the West Bank are being miliary surrounded by the Israelly government and the Palestinians are ready with 50 young girls and boys armed with bombs to blow up any target they see relevant.

"I have my bags packed just in case, but I still holdout for peace if an only if the US begins to recognize both sides of the issue. I am worried for my friends here and for the future of this area. But again this has been going on for over 50 years maybe 1423?. Is it just another flair up in the never ending ME conflict? or is it the beginning of a ME based world war? I guess if you see me in the next month the answer will be the later.

"I hope I get to stay and that it does not come to all out war. Anyway, I just thought I would give you all a bit of info about what I am going through over here. I actually feel relatively safe with my Jordanian friends and know if things escalate in Jordan the PC will take us out."

Take care,
Leslie