The hotel I stayed at in Amman (see posts here, here , here and here) was one of the three that were hit by suicide bombers this past Wednesday night. Lina, who lives in the Jordanian capital, has some great pictures of the anti-terrorism march that took place there the following day.

And last night I saw a stunning film about Palestinian suicide bombers - which was actually a very eloquent cries for peace. It's called Paradise Now, and it has won some very serious international prizes. If it's playing anywhere near where you live then I really urge you to run out and see it. Filmed in Nablus and Tel Aviv, Paradise Now was directed by an Arab Israeli from Nazareth who is based in the Netherlands. The actors are mostly Arab Israelis.

After the screening at Tel Aviv's Cinematheque, the audience and the actors mingled outside on the steps. I was chatting with one of the actors who starred in the film when a couple of thirtysomething Tel Avivis joined us and I listened to the following exchange:

Israeli Jewish guy to actor: Wow, you were totally amazing. Are you from Nablus?

Arab Israeli actor: No, I'm Israeli.

Israeli guy: No, but where are you from originally?

Arab Israeli actor: Here. I live in Tel Aviv.

Israeli guy: Wow. Well, listen, I can totally understand you. If I were a Palestinian from the territories I'd have become a suicide bomber for sure.

Arab Israeli actor, very cynically: Uh HUH...

I explode into cynical laughter and, indicating the Israeli Jewish guy, mutter to my friend, "Who is that idiot?