Fistfights in Jerusalem

I had already felt like I led a good visit but to know that I can also claim "no fistfights in Amman" adds to my confidence.


March 19, 2008, 7:32 am
Frenzy During McCain Photo-Op
By Michael Cooper
JERUSALEM — Pandemonium broke out here Wednesday when Senator John McCain made the traditional pilgrimage to the Western Wall.
Photographers got into fistfights with security officials, and Mr. McCain and his traveling companions — Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and Senator Lindsey Graham — found themselves in the middle of a pushing, shoving mob of photographers, soldiers, police officers, and tourists.
There did not appear to be any injuries, but several pairs of sunglasses were damaged in the mini-melee, which drew astonished stares from an assortment of tourists and Yeshiva students.
The frenzy was set off when many photographers complained that they were unable to get the photo that the photo-op was designed for: a shot of Mr. McCain placing a note into a crack in the wall. The women photographers, who had to stand in separate area, shouted that Mr. Lieberman was blocking their shots. Many of the men were blocked by security forces and other journalists.

Earlier in the day Mr. McCain met with Tzipi Livni, the foreign. Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of the Likud Party, who praised Mr. McCain for recognizing the threat posed by Iran. Mr. McCain said that he telephoned Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority.
The scene at the Wall took on a surreal feel at time. One man, dressed all in white, shouted several times in accented English to no one in particular: “The next president of the United States, Mr. John McCain.” Later, when Mr. McCain emerged from a tour of the tunnels that go toward the old city, another onlooker shouted, “Imus sends his regards!”
“Imus?” Mr. McCain said, laughing.