So I called the aide to a very senior member of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and had the following conversation in Hebrew:

Lisa: Hallo? Hassan? * Shalom, how are you? It's Lisa, we spoke last week about arranging an interview with your boss for [Major European Newspaper].

Hassan: Ah, Lisa! How are you, sweetie? Shana tova [happy new year] to you and everyone you love. May it be a sweet and good year with peace for everyone.

Lisa: Thank you so much! And happy holidays to you too. [Ramadan is starting now].

Hassan: Thank you, thank you.

Lisa: Hassan, listen, did you receive my fax with the formal request for an interview?

Hassan: Walla, I'm not sure. I'll have to check again and I will call you back, my dear. I'll call you tonight, inshallah.

Lisa: Okay, no problem. But do you think we can arrange an interview for this week? It doesn't matter where - Ramallah, Gaza, Jerusalem. Just let me know when and where and we'll be there.

Hassan: I will call you tonight and let you know. Shana tova. Be well.

This conversation is hilarious because I sent the fax nearly one month ago, following a series of phone calls that were always cut off because his mobile phone has terrible reception. He always greets me with the enthusiasm one would expect from a close friend, he always says he'll check and get back to me, he always speaks to me in fluent Hebrew, and he always wishes me good health.

The big difference between dealing with aides to Israeli politicians and Palestinian politicians is this: the Israeli aide is often brusque to the point of rudeness, but s/he gives you answers. The Palestinian aide is always warm and polite, but incredibly difficult to pin down. You've just got to be persistent.

*Not his real name.