'Anata-Shu'afat, Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar)

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After having been away for some seven weeks, we went first to Anata.  Several changes have taken place.  Near the checkpoint, there is now an area the size of a football field enclosed by an 8 meter high wall.  There is no indication of what the purpose of this area is.  The area adjacent to the checkpoint has turned into a dump that would compete with the scenes from Slumdog Millionaire.  Perhaps it is meant to be land fill.  The meanwhile, it is a filthy mess with the refuse transported by the wind to the entire area.  

After having gotten a face lift, thanks to the contributions of US Aid Al Ezariya is falling back into the seedy condition of several years ago.

On the road from Al Ezariya to Wadi Nar, there was a military jeep parked in the area where there had been demonstrations about two weeks back.  In this extended area which had been inhabited by Bedouins, there is extensive building.  Huge walls have been constructed and it appears as if the Bedouin have been squeezed into a small section.  There seems to be no easy way for them to get to their grazing areas and it is only a matter of time before the last dwellers will have to literally, pick up camp.

There have also been changes at Wadi Nar.  There is now a series of gates which can be closed off and an overhang above the area.  There is more of a sense of permanence at the place.  While we were there, there was a good deal of traffic in both directions and it flowed quickly and without any problems.