A Visa Story from Palestine

Palestinians are subject to special difficulties when applying for a visa: the ban imposed by the Israeli military authorities on Palestinians entering Israel and traveling via Bin Gurion airport is compounded by the obligation of Palestinians who need to travel abroad to fly via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Since September 11th the author and many of his colleagues have experienced overwhelming difficulties in securing visas to travel abroad to attend the smallest activity. Harsh and restrictive visa policies are playing into the hands of extremists on both sides. It is the responsibility of colleagues in countries that are implementing these restrictions to pressure their governments to change those policies.