Word: gaza
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Watch TIME's video "Protesting Gaza, Carefully, in the West Bank...
...Indonesia has been increasing its international presence by sending troops to Gaza, through participating more in the United Nations, more recently, a new friend in the White House, with President Barack Obama having famously spent part of his childhood in Indonesia. The country is no longer viewed as a "messy state," as columnist Tom Friedman once described it, nor is Balkanization a real fear as regional conflict and terrorism have both been brought under control. "The second term is when [SBY] will build his legacy," predicts Baswedan. "He will emerge as a global leader...
...Deira would be a classy hotel anywhere. But part of its allure is its sheer contrast with the rest of Gaza, which has been ravaged by three years of economic blockade, a fratricidal war among Palestinians and, seven months ago, a full-bore Israeli air, land and sea assault that lasted 22 days. After traversing Gaza's blasted urban landscape, you arrive at the hotel like a desert wanderer plunging his head into oasis waters. With its cool shadows and an inner courtyard trapping pools of light, the Al Deira has an Ottoman elegance. You're led to your room...
...images coming out of Gaza usually show masked Islamic militants waving Kalashnikovs. But another side of Gaza reveals itself at Al Deira: its peace-loving middle classes. Every afternoon, well-dressed families descend on the hotel's seaside café. Little kids swarm over the slide and jungle gym in the corner while their parents relax with a fresh strawberry shake and a puff from a water pipe. At twilight, a wistful silence passes over the cafégoers as their eyes follow the sun on its westward passage to lands that they, as Palestinians trapped inside Gaza, can never...
...their cars on used vegetable oil when gas is cut off or rebuilding houses out of mud bricks because Israel has yet to allow in construction materials after its last offensive - applies to running the Al Deira. "Of course we thought of shutting down. But we have loyalty to Gaza and to our employees," says Skaik, who tells his staff, "Leave your problems at the door. Come in with a smile. The guests expect it." But aside from journalists and a few diplomats, guests are rare. For nine years, the Al Deira staff have been waiting for the arrival...