What is the Near Afar?

Dispatches From the Near Afar chronicles my personal experiences and impressions of living and working in the Middle East (and beyond). Although the region is sometimes referred to as the "Near East," I often find that it couldn't be farther away in the minds of many people in the US. I am often asked questions about "Over There," as if Over There is in itself a country or region. I hope that my personal stories will help give a feel for the texture, diversity and complexity of Arab and Muslim societies and peoples. I believe that this seemingly distant land is far nearer in terms of shared values, interests and aspirations than many people think.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Amman to Doha (in photos)

My brother requested an urban landscape shot of each city I visit.  I didn't have much time to take pictures in Jordan, but here's a shot from the window of our partner's community center in Amman. 


And since I returned to Qatar yesterday, I will also include a few shots from National Day celebrations in Doha in December. Frankly, Qatar's National Day made most July 4th celebrations look like child's play.  And the fireworks display over the bay was like nothing I've ever seen.  The mood was particularly electric due to the announcement of Qatar's winning World Cup bid a few weeks before. 

Three little Qatari boys in their thobes (traditional dress):


One of the hundreds of cars that were patriotically decorated just for the festivities:



A view of some of the new buildings in the West Bay area.  This whole new downtown has been constructed in the past five years.

Mohammed, who has MS, sat by the side of the street for hours waving his flag and greeting passersby:




A billboard celebrating Qatar's win of the Qatar 2022 Football World Cup. His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hoisting the cup:




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