a few blurbs about some things

Marhaba! I'm sorry about my last post - it was a little pessimistic.  Politics never end here, and even as a political science major, I get a little tired of it from time to time.  Silly me for thinking that I could get a break from it in my religion class.

So let's talk about the next biggest thing in the news: Muhenat is engaged to Nihal.  If you happen to watch the soap "Forbidden Love" as every other Jordanian family does, this news would garner a few gasps.  Soap operas are very popular, most coming from Egypt, Turkey or Lebanon.  "Forbidden Love" is Turkish and involves a typical plot of an affair, dramatic cover ups, and dirty glances between the women.  And a little incest, but between cousins, it's okay.  It is very popular and to be honest, I love the new cocktail dresses for dinner each night. 

Last weekend I went with several girls to the southern port city of Aqaba and spent a day and a half on the beach in the balmy 80 degree weather.  It was wonderful to sit on the beach in February on the weekend, despite every cab ride being an argument in which I lost each time.

In case some of you are reading headlines, and even the articles attached to them (I'm a headline browser myself), you will have noticed the continued rallies in Jordan.  About 6,000 gathered on Friday calling for constitutional monarchy, with pressure on the king to reduce his absolute authority over the state.  But the character of the rallies is peaceful and with support from security forces.

Attention here is on Libya, with the common description for Gadafi being, "Magnoon!" (crazy).  Keep a look out for developments there - the International Criminal Court is beginning an investigation on the crimes committed by the military against the protestors.

Cote-d'Ivoire is seeing some violent clashes.  I have not read up on it, so I have not much to report other than that at least 6 women were shot dead while participating in a protest.  Security forces are becoming increasingly aggressive in their support of the incumbent leader.

What is with the military and security? It will never reflect well for the current leader and will only attract international criticism.