Stoning soldiers - chemical warfare tricks teen troops at roadblock

Who stoned those roadblocks?
Getting security forces to gobble a cake laced with cannabis and lose their edge is a new twist in the Arab-Israeli conflict, according to a report in Checkpoint Jerusalem by Dion Nissenbaum. Tempting hungry border police to snack at the Al-Zaim checkpoint near Maale Adumim, just outside Jerusalem, proved easy enough. Civilians often cheer up the bored adolescents in uniform who stand guard at road checkpoints by bringing them nibbles and nosh. It's not quite clear if the hashish cake--which soldiers said was delicious-- was left by Israeli peace activists or by Palestinian pranksters, but the IDF definitely is not amused. The hungry sentinels violated regulations to eat it, and several were taken to hospital. No one laughed it off:

A military source said: “this is a serious incident that needs to be investigated conclusively. Today it’s hash, and tomorrow it could be the start of a poison attack against our troops, the likes of which we’ve never seen before. What we have to do now is to get on the tracks of the person who brought the cake.”

Typical checkpoint near Maale Adumim settlement

Pay-Your-Own Purgatory

There is a newish checkpoint for entering Jerusalem called Maavar Zeitim (the Olives Crossing) and it looks set to rival Erez crossing with its Brave New World technology for intimidation and security. Armed private guards were staffing it on Monday, and one wonders what rules of engagement they will follow. There were more sheep than people in evidence at midday.

According to Jeff Halper, the amiable American anthropology professor who leads consciousness-raising tours to East Jerusalem, Abu Dis and the settlement-cum-bedroom community, Ma'ale Adummim, the United States deducted the cost of building this high tech passage through the "separation barrier" from the money that it gives to the Palestinian Authority each year for security. Isn't it ironic that Palestinans must effectively pay to lock themselves in? The Israeli government, which has pulled down some 18,000 buildings that it deems were erected without proper permits, also charges the demolition costs and fines to Palestinian householders. There is method in this madess, to be sure. If you want to see the evidence for yourself, contact this Israeli action group against house demolitions.