Crash's Conversation with a Middle-East Soldier

(This is true. I'm not devising any sort of fiction here. I've been talking to my friend in Jordan since before he joined the army, and I always ask for news about his country.

He also let me know Petra is to become the second of the seven wonders of the world this year.

Cool, huh?)


Jordanese Soldier: Soldiers are not allowed to vote.

J.S.: The army chose some guys and they wear civilian clothes, then go to vote for people our government likes.

J.S.: It's the first time the government intervene in election. So now here in my country everybody angry.

Me: Does it make you angry?

J.S.: I'm not interested about that.

Me: You don't care, I see. A lot of rulers are the same for you.

J.S.: Cause nothing is important for me.

Me: Nothing?

J.S.: You know something? I'm now in army. And I must listen to instructions from government. I cannot oppose.

Me: And you agree to that?

J.S.: When you start work in army, you just listen to any instrucitons.

Me: What if the instructions are bad?

J.S: I must obey.

Me: And if they told you to shoot someone?

J.S.:...or I will go to prison. :(

J.S.: But let me tell you...the army never shoot people.

Me: But what is the army for then?

J.S.: They intervene about something they think is important.

Me: Ah. Like voting.

J.S.: Yes. Tell me, how your holidays go?

Me: Ana sa-aeed*. Do they have holidays in the army?

J.S.: No. Just weekend.

Me: And the rest of the time you train?

J.S.: We don't have a train in my country.

Me: Haha...sorry...I meant train as in working for army.

J.S.: Ah. Yes.

Me: I must ask...if the army never shoots people, what are weapons for?

J.S.: These weapons for war.

Me: When was the last war? Jordan seems peaceful.

J.S.: In 1967. With Israel. And we was won.

Me: Some governments use the army to control the civilians. Does yours do that?

J.S.: Here not really. Just sometimes intervene.

Me: I know in Peru the gov makes people disappear who they do not like.

J.S.: :O

J.S.: But here democracy. First time they do that to elections.

Me: That's not very good. Controlling elections is horrible.

J.S.: Yes that's right.

J.S.: You know something, was dreaming to go live in USA. But then I can't work in army. But if I have chance I will leave the army.







* I am happy.