While the world sings "peace on earth", Palestinians living in Bethlehem are not allowed to go to work, school, or hospitals. They might be able to see light stars in the sky above the town, however, there is a great chance that they might see Israeli Apache helicopters instead.

The full article, Arjan El Fassed and Annet Meeuws, is a sobering look at the misery that pervades the land of Jesus Christ's birth today. Originally written in 2001, it has been updated to 2004 to include, among other things, The Wall.

The 2004 edition appears at the Electronic Intifada. Please note also Arjan's weblog.