Morning

A-Ram and Qalandiya Checkpoints, THU AM, 18 Dec 2003.Watchers: V., S.R., M.M. (reporting) At all checkpoints, pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow smoothly, although there are many people. No waiting in queues. The soldiers on duty are relaxed and efficient. Only one man is asked to turn back for not having a permit. Explanation of the Day (per Amit, the officer in command): 1. The detour at the Qalandiya North checkpoint is due to "dinosaur fossils that were found there and are being preserved." (This is, thus far, the most logical explanation.)2. A repeat of the previous explanation: Allowing passage under the cover would risk endangering the soldiers who stand outside the fence to block people from circumventing the checkpoints, because someone might come around from behind and stab them.There are no plans to add a cover over the detour.