Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., December 13, 2007 Tevet 4, 5768 | | Israel Time: 19:09 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Hanukkah

del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 17:38 12/12/2007 First Palestinian policewomen deployed to direct W. Bank traffic By The Associated Press Tags: palestinian women, West Bank  Palestinian pedestrians gawked at the unusual sight of women directing chaotic Ramallah traffic on Wednesday, the first batch of women to venture into a job traditionally reserved for Palestinian men in the West Bank. The women, dressed in uniforms of navy blue pants and light blue shirts, directed traffic and ordered people to use white-striped crosswalks in the center of town, an area crammed with honking cars and pedestrians. Many of the women also topped their uniforms with navy blue headscarves, a sign of Muslim modesty. The women belonged to the first class of Palestinian policewomen who recently complete a European Union-sponsored training program, part of a broader EU makeover of the demoralized and ill-equipped Palestinian law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Their duties include traffic patrols, house searches and security checks on women at prisons and institutions like universities. The effort is part of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' attempt to impose law and order across the chaotic West Bank and wrest control back from militants and petty criminals. Abbas has beefed up police forces in West Bank towns, confiscated stolen cars and cracked down on thugs demanding protection money from shop keepers. Male police officers sneered at the women as they directed traffic and kept pedestrians from jaywalking on Wednesday, their first day in their new jobs. Roles of authority for women are widely frowned upon in conservative Palestinian society, but several bystanders said they were impressed. This is wonderful - watching Palestinian women enforcing law and order, said Fuad Murar, a 59-year-old man. Ashjan Abu Srour, a 23-year-old policewoman, wore an Islamic headscarf as she coaxed an elderly couple to walk on the sidewalk, not on the road. "I was a little afraid in the beginning, because our society imposes a certain lifestyle for women," Abu Srour said. "But now, after spending some time in the street, I am not afraid." According to the most recent EU count, the overall number of females in the Palestinian civil police service was only 500, compared to more than 18,000 men in the service. These women were confined mostly to clerical and administrative duties. Related articles: EU-trained women join PA police ranks in latest West Bank reform Israeli, Palestinian police forces hold first ever joint workshop Report: 23 percent of Palestinian women endure domestic violence Two lobbies defend the oppression Bookmark to del.icio.us Bored with Israel A study shows U.S. Jews don't feel it's important to care about the Holy Land. League of their own The PA's first unit of policewomen direct traffic in the West Bank.   1.   Respect 17:43  |  Arab 12/12/07   2.   Hamas is laughing. This is a photo-op for Abbas. 17:43  |  common sense 12/12/07   3.   The Less Said By Jews Here The Better 12:57  |  dyinglikeflies 13/12/07   4.   Hamas has women as MP 15:24  |  a reader 13/12/07   5.   With good friends, Palestinians can regain civility 17:36  |  deak of deak 13/12/07   6.   Good luck to them! 18:00  |  Nik "Banned" Miller 13/12/07   7.   #3, that`s just forcing me to speak up 19:03  |  Steve 13/12/07

Today Online Document reveals progress on core issues at Camp David Responses: 155 Rosner: U.S. report on Iran should have been tossed, not published Responses: 54 Red Cross: Israel worsening Palestinian humanitarian crisis Responses: 40 Russia: Deal reached with Iran on nuclear plant construction Responses: 32 Avineri: U.S. only effective on Mideast conflict in war or talks Responses: 34 Rosner's Domain Who believes in intelligence reports? American Jews are losing interest in Israel Guest: Redivision of Jerusalem will lead to terrible bloodshed 3 'close' Orthodox for every 'close' Reform (What To Read) More Headlines 17:54 Russia: Deal reached with Iran on nuclear plant construction 18:51 Woman moderately hurt after Qassam directly strikes Sderot home 15:11 Document shows progress on core issues at Camp David summit 17:07 Red Cross: Israel worsening Palestinian humanitarian crisis 19:09 Greek historian convicted over book denying the Holocaust 18:36 Olmert vows to reduce class sizes in major education reform 17:35 Two brothers from Netanya indicted for raping younger sister 16:20 Tony Blair: Israel, PA in sync on repairing Palestinian economy 18:17 Police arrest four suspected of attempting to smuggle ecstasy Previous Editions Select Day 12 dec 11 dec 10 dec 09 dec 07 dec 06 dec 05 dec 04 dec 03 dec 02 dec 30 nov 29 nov

Special Offers Advertisement Inbal Jerusalem Hotel Unbeatable rates at the finest hotel in Jerusalem Invest in Macedonia New Business Heaven in Europe Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt. Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza Israel Lowest internet rate Guaranteed at ichotelsgroup.com !

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved