Torsemide Without A Prescription

Don’t worry Madian, be strong and face them, keep fighting and your lovely place will back to us again

those hypocrites would do anything in the name of religion and wants to force it on everyone because they think they have values, last time i checked we were considered to be a free country on the other hand ya u should bribe them cause our system will never protect your rights or any of our rights

well, i would like to say a couple of things:

- first of all, books@cafe is clean and serves clean food; that’s one thing for sure.. otherwise people wouldn’t have frequently visited the place and ordered all types of food all day long! who’s better than a customer to judge a restaurant’s food’s quality and hygene ?!

- Alcohol is served in several hundreds of restaurants/cafes/bars/nightclubs in jordan (amman specificaly) all year long.. and in ramadan month, it has always been known that only several “Touristic” places were totally “liscenced” to serve alcohol and they’ve been doing so for the last few years! so why not now??

- If ramadan is “the” month of being religious, why are these people suddenly turning into lying hypocrats ! why now ??

- If the “religous” values of a group are to controll the whole community’s lifestyle; then why don’t they stop “prostitution” instead of stopping “alcohol” !! why ??

madian, we’re really sad to see this happening, but we will stand by you and our place untill this is resolved..

انا راح اكتب بالعربي عشان يفهمو.
في نقطة مهمة بدي احكيها: ان اللي بدو يصوم ما يحمل الله جميله انو هو صايم. انا شخص حر, و الدستور بحكي اني كمواطن لو شو ما كان ديني او اصلي , و لو من وين ما كنت , احنا متساويين, زي ما انت بدك تصوم , انا بدي اسهر ,, و الصيام مش جوع كلاب,,

يعني احنا مش عم بنقرب على حدا, انا بدي اسهر و انبسط , كل يوم, و بالمكان اللي برتاح فيه

Revised version:

This is the pinnacle in State Sponsored Stupidity!

Think about who forms these task forces and who is in them THe moslem Brotherhood and othe r fundementalists.

Also the whole purpose of Ramadan is to feel with the poor and not indulge in feasts and things like that, so if this is the case and ramdan is supposed to be about feeling with the poor and will-power how come they need laws that are draconian to enforce.

I am sure Madian has talked to his lawyers, but what stumps is this the blatant intimidation that they tried.

It is time for us to take back our rights, if they want we can even call it human rights, the right to gather and to drink what and when we feel like it.

This is what happens when you give a low-level sub-zero intellect government official a little bit of power, and the worst part of it are the lies.

I am gobsmacked!!
This is so far beyond disgusting that my mind is drawing a blank.

it’s better to have a shower after this horrible accident

Dear all,
As Madian said we all need to do something about having Jordan as a place for every one. We all should ask and scream for our rights. If we stay negative the way we are, we will never get any thing. If any one has a good idea or some one we could talk to or write a list without hearting any one, please posted here.
It is time to change for a better place.

Well, the regime and the system has to be seen as protectors of our “values” espcially at this time when the economic policies and the promised “reform” is actually bringing the country down to its knees. You see, if they keep you open, some will say look at the government protecting “immorality”, and those “some” are too many -they are loud too-, so in a way the government is doubling down on their argument and stripping them from their potential “supporting” argument.

The government will say: See, we care about your values, we even closed those immoral joints.. It is our little version of culture wars. The people are like: Hey we are OK with starving, we don’t care what our foreign or economic policies are, we don’t even want to know what they are, we don’t want reform, hell we will accept the racist elections law, but HEY Don’t touch our “values”, we don’t want people to drink or “not fast” even if we don’t see them.. It is our version of social authoritarianism, that will make sure you conform even when you are in your own private space.

Dude, you should have cameras in your place where you record all this stuff, and maybe add some microphones..

Good luck.

As long as there is bios in religion in the people of the country , there will be a descrimination against peoples free will , weather its harmfull to others or not … still we know this is a political agenda , n some people are trying to change the progression in this countrey … But i guess we have to try our best to stop that in whatever means possible … its the way we can evolve into a better and stronger people … take care guys …

with all the luv xXx

Sadly… I’m not shocked. Yes this is Jordan ! and yes Jordan remains a very backward petty place with petty governance and corruption.
people keep telling me ‘Its changing’ it will never change as long as such scumbags are the people that continue to run things enacting bloody laws placed in the 40′s!!
Its all just a facade, this ‘Jordan is changing’ . what a rediculous place we live in!

You need to get a Majali or Fayez or Hassan to put their names as your business partners. Of course you just have to pay them a % in return for nothing but protection. We call that 5awa.

Once you do that, you can worships the devil and have orgies and sell cocaine and kills a few rude customers and no one will touch you in Jordan. I read it in a book called The Realworld Guide to Starting a Business in Jordan.

I decided not to do that and returned to Lebanon. At least there I will pay off my own folks and I will make them work for it.

Jordan is becoming a sad place.

Thanks Madian for posting this and confirming the rumers I heard. Outrageous! I agree with serene’s suggestion to hold a press conference and make a big fuss about this. Who governs Jordan really? if these people can ignore all laws and do as they please!

I am a travel agent bringing thousands of tourists to the middle east every year from Europe and the USA. Books@Cafe is a “must” on our list of places to visit in Amman. It is an oasis of open mindedness – all kinds of people (from secular to religious) sitting together talking, discussing the issues of the day, eating good food, and enjoying the beautiful peaceful atmosphere that is Jordan. Should this establishment not reopen, it will be a loss for Jordan. We support Madian and his staff of wonderful people – and the wonderful people of Jordan that deserve a pearl like Books @ Cafe !
Some people say I’m a dreamer, but habibi…i KNOW i’m not the only one!

I’M FROM EGYPT BUT I VISITED JORDAN EVERY WHILE ,I LIKE THE BOOK@CAFE ALTHOUGH I DON’T DRINK BUT THE PLACE, ATMOSPHERE,VIEW …ETC.ALSO PPL THERE R VERY KEEN TO SERVE US.

This is just sad
once you think that the country that you live in and actually love is getting a step ahead you just face those so called people that are trying to get us and our country a hundred steps back ..
We all know that Books is gonna reopen (we all have our fingers crossed and our hearts to the beautiful people who runs it) but the action to seriousely consider here is how to make sure that this doesn’t happen again to forbid them literaly from messing with the uniqueness that actually makes amman AMMAN .
I will have to agree with serene about the press conference thingie it’s a brilliant idea actually it will help us “nefda7hom” which is the word they are most afraid of .

I am shocked to see how things go in less fortunate countries than my own. Don’t know if it is of much support, but I will surely send a letter to the Jordan embassy here in The Netherlands asking them what is going on. I know this will not lead to reopening the place, but I feel I shoud do something, and can’t think of many more things to do.

Best luck to all, and please do keep fighting for your rights!!

Well, it’s sad, very sad.

But Books@Café should take advantage of this opportunity in order to kick out its insolent stupid waiters (disgusting attitude), hire better cooks (horrible food) and also find a new manager if the current one cannot proceed such reforms.

It’s sad that the best of Jordan is THAT bad.

xoxo

This is very sad news Madian, I hope there’s a peaceful resolution to this situation, it seems some elements in the government like to flex their muscles every chance they get, and a clear indication of a lot of uneducated people behind this.

What about Christians? non-Muslims?
If they’re going to act like we want this to be a theocracy, a purely Muslim nation, let’s cut to the chase and do some ethnic cleansing already, I’ve already taken the initiative and ethnic-cleansed myself.

Fasting is a choice!! and if one chooses to fast its for his own spiritual comfort. I know we are ruled by the “Islamic Law” and I have nothing but respect to all religions, but Non-Muslims should be respected of their choices too. Jordan would be a much more pleasant space if people felt they were given a choice rather than being forced, like every other thing we are forced to do. Plus this is a spiritual giving month, why OH WHY is it always the worst vibe and attitude that surrounds us, I could almost guarantee this is not what God had in mind.
Peace and Love.

Dude that is just messed up! How come they didn’t do that to places like Dubliner’s or Living Room who are open during this month? Why are they messing with Books@? Honeslty as much as im speechless to hearing about this and reading it here, I’m also sadly not surprised.
I guess you can either stay quiet and re-open after Ramadan, or get this news out to CNN and those like Serene mentioned or the usual 3rd option getting a wasta.. whatever u choose, we wish you the best Madian!

but i secrelty hope you take this matter to the mainstream media and make a commotion about it!

i’m not proud of all those who break their fast in public.. in other words: “ashamed” .. i agree with your freedom of worship, but u can eat drink s*** and make love at home specially during this month, this leads to the fact that fasting is not “starving” since u can do it somewhere else!

Editor’s Note: Comment was edited for vulgar language. We encourage comments that add to the discussion at hand. Comments containing hate speech, obscenity, and personal attacks will not be approved.

David Deir u need to relax and keep ur comments for u. this has NOTHING to do with religion. it has to do with respecting one another and acting accordingly. Your kind of comment is very bad as it promotes a split between Moslems and Christians, something which has NEVER EVER hapened in Jordan. So, please do not be the divider! Moslems in Jordan have been brought up to respect their fellow citizens and that is why you get to celbrate New Year, Christmas, Easter and other holidays. Most Moslems would participate in those celebrations. You owe all the Jordanians an apology as what you said is very stupid in the least! so to hell with books@cafe if its going to creat a divide between the jordanians.

If your case and others got unified under one title, do you think a petition would work? It could go within the national reform strategy, and you could also make is as a tourism/economical/employment etc. issue..

Normally in these cases, you either go along with the system “in Jordan, that – unfortunately – means paying a bribe or waiting until the month is over”, or take it as an opportunity to involve the media and other tourism-related parties affected by such hypocrisy. Sadly enough, involving the global media could be a good option after all (as sometimes our legislation system gets “affective” when it’s under the western spotlight). If the media was used as a playing card to the whole issue, maybe the more “influential” figures could get your case (and others) under the national reform strategy. I’m just eager to see that day when a mini “renaissance” happens in Jordan, it’s seriously about time we got the Jordanian intellects on stage, they have to balance the more conservative “rather extremists” officials who twist the law and get away with it.

BIG F*%@# DEAL!!
it’s just one month!! and it’s almost over!!!
show some respect people!
I find it funny that people here in the states respect the fact that I am fasting much more than my people in amman ever did.
I say to hell with the alcohol for this month.
deal with your alcoholism at home. and keep Books open because whether you like it or not some people have a much serious addiction to their pizza, now that can’t be solved at home.

Madian I love you so much, I think your one of the most creative people in Amman but common’… fight for alcohol? That will make jordan a better place????!!! plleeaahhHHse have you been reading the news papers?

find a more sober cause everyone. Gaza could use some help!!

when would such people stop using the yardstick of religion to enforce there disrespectful ideologies?

You are all missing the point. this is not about serving food or drinks in ramadan, this is far more serious and far more devastating to Jordanian society. if the government wants to ban serving foods and drinks in ramadan, all they have to do is to issue a decree and it become so. but for government inspectors to fabricate evidence DANG!!!! that’s so frighting. Jordan is turning into a nightmare. with all these selective and even fabricated corruption charges against Baltagi, Abu Ghuida, Reemawi, etc.

Then we hear of this. people who are entrusted to enforce law and order in Jordan are lie and deceive and cheat to enforce their own laws not the state’s law. why don’t they shut down Muashar’s Marriott. they serve food an drinks there. or is he too powerful to touch. is Jordan’s law just for some people and others are above it?

I think we are entering into a dark period. the state was the only neutral enforcer of the peace. now that seems to be no longer the case. it’s near total chaos.

Jordan is sick. it needs urgent help.

suhad…i probably love you as well…however, from the comfort of freedom of thought and expression land..the good ol USA…and where human rights are somewhat more respected and addressed….has it crossed your mind that this is not only about alcohol? i employ 50 people…who will lose out for a month. what happens to the falafel guy downtown?…or the fruit juice stand…or the “ka3ak” trolley?
My waiters have families to feed….and I have my family as well. Corporations and other businesses go unharmed…but the food industry gets the hit.
This is not an issue more important than Gaza…but it is important. this is an issue for us..for tolerance for resoect of others. I respect you fasting…respect me for not.
thjis is not about splitting jordanians…or addressing religions…this is about your right and mine to BE…and to tolerate..and not to judge. this is an issue of a system…that needs to be rethought and developed.

siam maqbool…o kul 3am winti bkhair.

This is not a fight for alcohol. This is fight for THE FREEDOM TO CHOSE YOUR OWN PATH. Come on people, ( LA IKRAH FIL DEEN )
This is why youngsters leave our city and feel obligated to make a living somewhere else. NOT BECAUSE OF THE ALCOHOL, Because we have no freedom to even chose the right to make our own mistakes.
Madian, I believe that you are a very creative and an extremely succesful man. Amman needs more people like you, maybe then it will become more livable.
Thanks and no offence to anyone, ofcourse.

Hello all,

seems like an interesting topic, muslims and their fasting… Books@Cafe closing down…. attitude, wasta, 5awa.. a million opinions mentioned.

thinking about all that.. i have to assume some are not fasting, others really love books for selling alcohol some people don’t like another’s attitude and who wouldn’t want a wasta…

I say, eat if you wanna, drink if you feel like.. a billion other places are serving.. if someone gives you an attitude give it back, and **** all wasta’s..

As for the employees why wouldn’t they get the base salary? don’t they have contracts? they’ll be missing out on the extras.. tips.

Why not do a couple of changes to place, make it a little more cozier.. it’s too wood and wall

Salam Mama

pffffffff ..enough with the hypocrisy please !!! This committee thing might have good intentions ,but they’re carrying it the wrong way, and we all know how things go in Jordan .
at the same time ,I understand why someone would be bugged by the idea of serving alcohol during Ramadan ,but please refrain from lecturing and acting like you’re the sole protector of the community and like u make no mistakes ! enough with the crap.

Islamists in Jordan are palnting the terror of confronting them, you are not allowed to even discuss issues like loud sounds from mosques.. They are anti dialogue, they and only they know the truth.. They are they only people in Jordan opposing the police state. Between them things are divided and any other party can only waste time trying to change some detail.. Live by their rules, they have never and will never be logical, anything is subject to change, and when they here you think different, they will tell you to leave the country.. Maybe that is the best thing to do.. I would like to live, anywhere, where i don’t have to worry if i say what is in my mind.

OMG Median! I just head about this! This is so bad! Ofcourse you have to fight! We all support you. You should sue those bastards.

And yes the idea of having an alliance with other closed ventures is good. Go for it, and a press conference is not a bad idea either.

Well G&M i see that your attitude isn’t helping either ))
One need to understand the nature of the society and cope with it still sticking to his ideals but without clashing with it every now and then ! I love books i hate to see it closing , i even blogged about it and said its my fav hangout in Amman !since i was 16 and get caught every time for the ID check . what I’m saying is Median ,do what you got to do, but be smart and you’re a smart person ,if you’re gonna make this public (more public) its gonna be for all or none ! make it be all !.

While it’s not worth it to fight for alcohol since it won’t make Jordan a better place, the issue at hand is whether Jordan is a state of laws and regulations. Let’s assume that Books@Cafe behavior was offensive and socially wrong to the people of Jordan. As long as Books@Cafe didn’t violate any publicly known laws and got the permits from the ministry, the society’s fight should be against the ministry and the parliament, not Books@Cafe. It’s about time that we move to a more civilized approach to solving problems. I’m not defending Books@Cafe’s right to serve alcohol as much as supporting that there must be a transparent and clear approach to resolving issues rather than ‘El-baltajeh’ (i.e. unlawful force).
This problem highlights a bigger problem within the governmental body: Some officials think that they can and should take the law in their hands using whatever interpretation they like rather than having a legislative panel that determines ‘how’ the law is enforced and executed.
Madian, you have a long and painful fight ahead of you. Good luck. I don’t think you should expect your case to be solved but as long as you fight it you’re setting a precedence which will help the next guy have a more fruitful fight.

I must say the most compelling aspect of this confrontation is the forging and fabrication of evidence by government officials to shut down a cafe. If they can commit such an illegal and unethical act just it to get at a local cafe, they can do it for all sorts of other reasons such as framing an opposition figure or simply anyone who won’t pay up. They could be trying to harm books@cafe for the benefit of another business establishment for all we care. If they can fabricate evidence, they can pretty much do anything. I mean how low can you go?

Ahhhmmm! for those who are fighting this cause as freedom of religion, do yourselves a favor. Don’t. No matter how you slice or dice it, you can’t win on such grounds.

No one stopped you from drinking at home. No one stopped you from going to your place of worship during ramadan. No one forced you to convert.

For that reason, drinking alcohol during Ramadan publicly or at Books@Cafe or Sheraton is not freedom of religion or worship. It’s a privilege that is granted by the government. Privileges are not rights.

And if you push it farther, it will come across as you trying to shove your foot down everybody else’s throat. Again, if the freedom to consume alcohol is what you care for, you are free to do it at home during ramadan. Wanting to pose while consuming alcohol during ramadan is not a right.

So next ramadan, stock up on your six packs and Rum and absolute vodkas. Drink to your hearts’ content from dusk till dawn. So long as you do it in the privacy of your own home, no one will come knocking on your door. It’s simply legal.

So let’s not turn act of insensitivity during a special month into some noble and courageous struggle for justice and religious freedoms. It ain’t.

two things
1. I live in the midwest, so any talk of “the comfort of freedom of thought and expression land” does not apply specially at this time in history, at least not for a brown woman, with an accent and muslim weird name to go with it. trust me!

2. Respect sounds wonderful, and if this was the case then please allow me to remind you of what’s on the other side of this respect coin. YOU respecting them and their religious traditions that goes back to over 1400 years! You are free not to fast, even free to drink alcohol if you want to during the holy month–I’m assuming there any arrests–however you are not allowed to serve alcohol.

These bureaucrats got off their lazy asses, TWICE, after their official working hours.
It must have meant something to them.
I would even dare say that maybe if you had stopped serving alcohol the first time they paid you a visit we wouldn’t be having this discussion right now.
but that’s just me.

I hope things get better for you and books soon.
and I’m actually not fasting this year (pregnant) but thanks.

Anees,
Go ahead! no one is stopping you.
Do it!
and would you please tell us the name of that place “where you don’t have to worry if you say what is in your mind” once you find it.
I’m just curious.

Zeina,
seriously? is that why “youngsters” leave Jordan? freedom?
I thought it was for better job offers & better education that might grant them a better future. but again that’s just me.

How long does it take Jordanians to take a frocking stand against the forces of ignorance in the country, shaving the moderates asses back to the middle ages.

An attack on books@cafe as such, is an attack against liberal Jordanians, who have the brains, the means, the will, but not enough organization to change anything.

I second the suggestion regarding a press conference.

To fight for a better Jordan means for you serving Alcohol during the Holy Month of Ramadan….What a pity and what a narrow and selfish view…..

Reading the comments here tells how narrow are the readers of 7iber, most are from the so called “liberal” where freedom to them is freedom of alcohol, sex, homosexuality and maybe a bet or lots of drugs!

they only represent 2 or 3% of Jordan, maybe less. some are even extremist, where i was even shocked to read some commenter linking Islam to terrorism! while another guy said they should ban Athan.!

There is islamophobia going on the west at a certain level, so now it is here in Jordan!

In France they forbid hijab in schools, smeller measures are under discussion in Holland and other countries. all in the name of freedom! so it is ok to be gay, naked, have open sexual relationship, but it is not ok to follow islam!

USA has been progressive to a level with its domestic policies with Islam, in some US towns with Muslim majority Athan is public!

So I ask those who want to forbid Athan, why it is ok in Jordan and western countries to have the Church ringing their bills but not ok for live Athan!

Jordan is 95% Muslim, this is the land of Omar bin Elkhtab, Khaled bin Waled, Osama bin Zaid, Jafer Eltair, and many other companions may God bless them all, it has been a Muslim country for 1400 years and will always be.

It was a great job from the police to close books and others who serve food and alcohol during Ramadan, this is a holly month and should be respected. but i am against any type of fabrications even for a good cause.

Books is a nice place, and I am sure its kitchens are clean, but I wish if they did not serve alcohol and food during Ramadan, actually alcohol should be forbidden all year long, not bc of the Islamic ruling but bc it is not healthy too, remmber it was banned in USA in the 20s.

Tourist are not coming to Jordan to drink Alcohol bc they have it back home, they come here to see the country and its people and bc it is different.

So Median do not be greedy and respect Islam, this is a Muslim country and will always be.

And to those who say we should leave the country bc the ban alcohol, yes plz do go to some western country and ask for asylum, and if they ask you why, tell them bc i am prosecuted in Jordan: i can not drink alcohol and eat during the day in the month of Ramadan!” that is a good cause to fight for! lol

God bless Jordan

This is so annoying. The government allows 5 star hotels to serve alcohol during Ramadan, no one come barging in.

This country has no future, at least for the foreseeable future.

Madian,
This is Samer from Seattle (of Samer and Amanda fame). I am shocked and saddened to read this, but the one heartening thing is that… you are going to win this one. Think of it as an opportunity rather than a mere nuisance.

It seems that you (a) have been playing by the rules, and (b) know the rules better than the authorities barging into your place. Once you put this behind you it will be evidence that Jordan is indeed moving forward, despite hiccups and occaisional regressions.

@ COCO

Progress for Jordan and everywhere else means that if you play the rules you can get ahead and you can be free of the harassment of those who think they have a monopoly on the truth.

It has zero to do with alcohol or religion.

If you have all the required licences and they just made an arbitrary decision to close you down then you should seriously consider suing them for losses. Maybe you should look into a group lawsuit with some of the other 60 places that got shut.

If you have all the required licences and they just made an arbitrary decision to close you down then you should seriously consider suing them for losses. Maybe you should look into a group lawsuit with some of the other 60 places that got shut.

It does not surprise me at all. This country has been going backwards for quite some time. Petra a world wonder, eh? what a shame.

It was mentioned in an update to the post that the ministry has issued a list of 60 places that have been closed — does anyone know if this list is available online? (eng or arabic) i’m not in amman right now and would be very interested to know all the places that have been affected by this.

Yup. A friend of mine was over at Books when they closed it down, and we went there this morning to find it’s still closed, and Madian explained the situation.

It’s odd really, because we went to another place and got served. So I’m just wondering, why the picky-choosiness? That’s for one. For two, people who don’t want to fast won’t fast anyway, and shutting places down will only enrage them more and will make those who do fast look pretty fragile. Is fasting supposed to be so complicated? I mean, will seeing someone drinking water in Ramadan make people want to break off their fast? If so, then maybe they ought to. Three, if the license is valid and completely legal, why was the place shut down to start with? Which official is trying to save face?

Related: http://www.tololy.com/2008/09/01/%D8%A5%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%85-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7/

I worked at book@ for a small period and im appalled that things like this could happen to Madian.
I can only say that my heart is with you. [truly pissed at this moment].

On the other hand, Suhad please cut the cr*p. I live in Texas[even worse than the midwest] and I’ve seen Muslims with your attitude and may i say what you feel inside truly reflects on those who try to have a relationship with you…. Get rid of your ISLAMIC Megalomaniac attitude and [TRULY] accept others the way they are…. then… and only then…. they’ll feel comfortable talking to you and accepting your CHOICES. YOU really wanna help Palestine…stop your hypocracy and move your ass back to gaza, but no you chose “America”…. as they say … AL ISLA7 YABDA2 BIL NAFS.

im sick of extremists and their actions. Im sure their stinking breathe in Ramadan is coming from their unholy acts. I assure you that god is sick to his stomach from all those who try to use his name in vein… Who are you to Judge what god wants…. we’re in the same basket you moron and when the day comes, im pretty sure God will punish you even more for assuming his powers without consent.

Peace

Suhad,

You’re taking peoples’ openions here and turning them your way!! The freedom they’re talking about is not leaving to the states to wear their mini skirts in public. They’re just expressing their openions wich is something that Jordanians did not know for a long time now. Show them some support and respect your fellows here for what they want.
Gaza is an issue and Democracy is a whole other issue.
Both extremely important and needs to be handled. EACH IN IT’S OWN TIME.
Cheers

I just came back from a trip to Syria during Ramadan …. walking around the old city was a treat even in the sweltering heat, but turning a corner I stumbled across a cafe, open and serving. So I sat down and ordered a coffee feeling a little strange, as it was the last thing I had expected during ramadan, particularly as in Jordan everything closes. And so the french fries and grilled chicken sizzled past me along with the argileh, the beer, the coffee and litres of cold water. But what this little episode showed was tolerance. I then went to visit a well established furniture shop and the owner promptly offered me a glass of delicious mint tea … “but it’s ramadan, and I’m sure you are fasting,” I protested, “yes indeed he said, but who am I to impose my religious beliefs on you, and why should it bother me … I fast for my own spiritual gratification” ….

This is the essence of ramadan: tolerance, respect for others, compassion … pity I had to hear it from a Syrian …. and I thought Syria was the police state ….

Suhad & Al Karaki ; excellent, balanced and rational argumentation . Support you 100% .

Would have loved to see this ” El Habbeh ” regarding much more important issues . Would have loved to see all those protectors of Freedom acting against corruption , Signing a petition against the ill-writteb freedom of press law . Gaza is far far far far important than all of us . Double standards is what we usually accuse the west with , but we wre the inventors of double standards .. when you are in any country , the basic thing to do is to respect their values and those values are forged by culture whether you subscribe to it or not ..Respect it and abide to it , and yes the culture comes from the 6 milion inhabitants of jordan not few tens of thousands living in Abdoun and similar.I am not religious , I am extreme liberal and my redline is when my liberty encrouches on the sacred beliefs of others .Dowhat ever you want in your private place . They tolerate me 11 months , I can tolerate them 1.More than a fair deal . Do not use the 50 families excuse by the way , It is starnge how a business man cannot plan for such incidnce, consider it a paid vacation , their annual paid vacation business owner an

In response to Aziz:

Again Muslims in America have mosques bigger than those in Jordan but the Muslims that i deal with will sit with those who eat and drink at lunch time without even complaining. They follow alshari3a without forcing it on their neighbor. THOSE ARE THE TRUE MUSLIMS.

AZIZ ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: DO you respect the great lent of Christians? …. I GUESS NOT… do you see them complain when the smell of SHAWIRMA or pizza is filling the air …NO …. NO … and Hell NO…..THEN JUST BECAUSE 95% of the population is MUSLIM doesnt mean you should force your fast on the rest….. IN THE WEST THEY DONT FORCE YOU TO BE A VEGETARIAN WHEN THEY LENT…… At least be courteous enough and return the favor……

BY THE WAY MINORITIES ARE NOT FA**** AND W*****….. please dont talk about democracy when your true colors show hegemony and authoritarianism.

Editor’s Note: Comment was edited for vulgar language. We encourage comments that add to the discussion at hand. Comments containing hate speech, obscenity, and personal attacks will not be approved.

PS:

Hazem… if you consider yourself liberal then i guess you have to specify in what area. what your talking about fits the criteria of a DEEP SOUTH REPUBLICAN…. and believe me the term LIBERAL has nothing to do with what you said.

IF you dont believe me go and check US government books and party policy…. after that …if you still think you’re “EXTREMELY LIBERAL” then i guess your talk about double standards comes from a personal experience.

Oh Jessy Jessy, your funny but I honestly have nothing to say to you. what you wrote is really lame and immature, but I’m hoping it’s just because your [truly pissed at this moment].

Abdullah, gaza was not my main point, and i will not comment on that. Yet I am intrigued. So GAZA and democracy are two different issues, ha?

If i was you I would read some newspapers or ask a wiser person–if it requires too much brain power–about the connection between democracy and Gaza before I engage in any public intellectual conversations like this.

I guess this is when the conversation comes to an end for me.

Suhad … i had a good argument and you answered with “lame and immature”!!!. I didnt cuss or attack your beliefs i gave a fairly descent argument that you impose your beliefs on others.. though with some dark wit i might add. Your response is a proof that you can only listen to yourself…. Cant blame you… that how they raise kids back there, first they program us then we operate till death with the same code…. I dont expect a reply but if we’re in a debate and your answers were “Lame and immature” then i guess we all know the results.

So Jessy u r the one who showed ur true skin: u r racist and full of hate to Islam and Muslims.

So Muslim has to put u as equal to God and take ur words not his to decide who is a Good Muslim! who goes to heaven to goes to hell! Lol

look u have the right to disbelieve in Islam, no body will force you to follow Islam, but u have no right to tell us who is a good Muslim and who is not!

As with regards to your Lent comment, there is no laws in the west regarding this, and the vast majority of people in the west do not do fast or even go to church! specially in Europe. So why would I not eat meat in public if I am in the west! when the majority of christens there do eat meat during lent!.

Change ur laws and when we see the majority of people there follow lent then this is another case. In Jordan the vast majority of Muslims fast during Ramadan.

and in the name of freedom u did not say anything regarding forbidding Hijab in France? While it is ok to be naked or half naked! Do not tell me Hijab is a religious symbol it is not.

In Utah Alcohol is forbidden all year long and that is great ,- even though there is a way to go around it-, so why it is ok for Utah to ban Alcohol while in Jordan it is not! This is the case in Utah bc the majority of people are Mormons in which their religion bans alcohol, and the federal government gives a certain level of autonomy to each state. That said for US states, to my knowledge Jordan is not a US state! lol

Its sad that some think this is a fight for alcohol. Or think the holiness of Ramadan or respect to people comes from taking away the freedom of others. If this isn’t oppression I don’t know what is.

This is pure legal fight. Someone has a right to do something, and then someone else because of their personal beliefs takes the law by their own screwed up hands.

Tolerance is a virtue, best practiced in this holy month as you keep saying it is.

That Syrian furniture store owner said it all in my opinion.

Its sad that some think this is a fight for alcohol. Or think the holiness of Ramadan or respect to people comes from taking away the freedom of others. If this isn’t oppression I don’t know what is.

This is pure legal fight. Someone has a right to do something, and then someone else because of their personal beliefs takes the law by their own screwed up hands.

Tolerance is a virtue, best practiced in this holy month as you keep saying it is.

That Syrian furniture store owner said it all in my opinion.

Thank God that finally such places are closed in Jordan!

It’s funny that for you people “human rights”, “Freedom” and “Democracy” are synonyms for DRINKING ALCOHOL, NOT FASTING, HOMOSEXUALITY and other digusting stuff!!

For those who don’t want to respect our relegion and live with our tradition in Jordan as a muslim country, I advise u to leave to another country!

i find this article childish, the terms used in it are childish and are only conceived of a child! terms like barking are not only illegal but immature,
also i would like to add jordan the country that you love or dont i dont care and i doubt anybody does is an islamic established country, serving of alcohol anytime of the year is wrong, it should only be for tourists and with an id, if you drink outside in the uk dont forget your a tourist too. so take your alcoholic drinking policy with you outside jordan, not unless christians, they are free to do what they want indoors, and christians dont do so in the first place, i respect jordanian christians very much.
2nd of all, i hear books@cafe is a hang out place for gay people, i find this very disturbing, gays are against the whole concept of arabs & religion, i do respect it as a disease, but its not non curable, (wj3lna lkol da2en dowa2) so god says there is a cure for everything, and if your afraid of a needle or hospitals thats something you have to overcome my friend. i am happy to walk into a hotel lounge and find tourists relaxed and comfortable, it gives me a proud sensation of hospitably in the country i live in, but as you know tourists minimize drinking in this holy month, even though i cant fast during my medication but thats something else.
thank you for reading, and wish you the best.

currently in Dubai, licensed restaurants normally serve food and alcohol after Iftar, the authorities didn’t take away their license to serve alcohol during the month and they didn’t get shut completely. food is served before Iftar at Hotels and through bakeries and delivery shops, you can’t drink or eat in public during day time.

the difference here is that clubs are closed in Ramadan and loud music and dancing is not allowed even in Hotels, restaurants and pubs play ambient background music, also they impose behavior control through regulations, they have 0.0% tolerance for driving under influence at any dose which translates to immediate jail if caught, but even when public partying is not allowed you can have your own private party, yesterday our neighbors invited friends over with their own music set and drinks.

shutting a place completely is illogical because food is an industry as well, and if the main reason is alcohol and the rest of accusations were fabricated as mentioned in the post and it applied to 60 places, they should have given them a notice before Ramadan started,its already two weeks past Ramadan, and 60 is not a deaf number to ignore regulations if they were not truly licensed to serve.

so the worst case here is that the place would resume its service past Iftar without alcohol but if I was in their place and my license says that I can open during Ramadan under certain classification, I should go all the way and claim my right.

AZIZ:

next time if you try to throw a jab make sure its a K.O. Rephrasing what i said doesnt help your case…..
i didnt force my lent on you…. meaning….god’s will only applies to me personally…. i have the RIGHT TO EXPRESS WHAT I BELIEVE GOD’s will but i UTTERLY have no right to apply it on you. what i said was an OPINION AND NOT an ACT…get your facts straight.

Again i argued your statements…. i know muslims who denies every single act that you believe is true and they are Sunni… DO you wanna persecute them as well. Are christians brothers or infidels? IF I WERE YOU I’d choose my words carefully Mr….. choose your party.

Next time, make sure that you’re not shooting blanks.

Aziz:

Again you should get your facts straight…in France you’re not allow to wear a BIG CROSS, a KIPPAH or the HIJAB…… but all of you guys in the middle east made it as if its just an attack on the muslims……..STOP WATCHING ALJAZEERA AND GET LOCAL NEWS FROM THE SOURCE…

allowed* ….. and thats only in schools to prevent conflict and religious influence in a secular institution.

hazem, you have a very shallow definition of culture! People of Abdoun are entitled to their own culture as of people in Karak. We are no longer living in a small town with everyone being a copy of the other. We are living in a country with 6 million people. We have many sub communities and many sub cultures. What we ought to learn is to tolerate and live by each other rather than bullying each other.

Jessy!
re to: “Im sure their stinking breathe in Ramadan is coming from their unholy acts” .. —> well in what sense are you ever respectful and for what reason should i or anyone else respect your opinions as you go further with your quick-tempered & idiotic responses?

re to:” I assure you that god is sick to his stomach from all those who try to use his name in vein… Who are you to Judge what god wants…. we’re in the same basket you moron and when the day comes, im pretty sure God will punish you even more for assuming his powers without consent.” –> so sure?? aren’t you the one who’s assuming his powers and judging what God wants by you being-so-sure that god is sick to his stomach? did you talk to him recently?

And if i may add….. the law covered madian but people who think like you went into his restaurant and IMPOSED GOD’s wrath on him with false accusations….IS THAT THE LAW YOU Want…. is that will of the God in the Koran?….
Dont talk about laws where they dont exist….
and you sir by accepting declaring their deeds as lawful, you share the blame…..

Im not supporting obscenity and drunken behavior in public in RAMADAN or any other month. but in Books@ case ….you cant see the booze or the food from outside….. thats just an atrocious claim with no bases whatsoever.

Fade to black:

Did i put you on a stick and burned you alive no …..meaning i did not assume power …im expressing an opinion…..

OH I FORGOT ….. expressing an opinion IS assuming power for you guys … im sorry….

I dare say I am one of the biggest fans of Books@Cafe. It’s a place that has defined my life since I was in high school, even though I’m not nearly as much of a regular there as other places.

However, I am very disappointed at the quality of the discourse above. I don’t want to go this way or that because my opinion is irrelevant. It’s just that I feel the majority of opinions stated are based on too many theoretical ideals that SIMPLY ARE NOT TRUE OR DO NOT EXIST.

- I hope Books@Cafe reopens ASAP so the people who enjoy it and the people who live from it can return to their normal lives.

- I am disgusted with the blatant corruption of those intent on closing Books@Cafe, but hardly surprised. This should be exposed.

- I wish the government would stop this ignorance, or at least enforce the “law” equally, but I know it won’t.

- However, maybe things went too far. There are full-on parties happening in Ramadan. I’ve seen cab drivers cussing people out and saying out loud how they would love to blow up some parties to “show them their God”. I’ve heard this stuff. Frankly, I’d rather have these places I love stay closed just for this one month, than have some nut-job do something crazy that hurts the people I love. That’s more important to me than some kind of perception that Jordanians live in a “free society”. You don’t. Get over it.

I once saw Rubin “Hurricane” Carter at a lecture. I missed most of it, but the one thing I took was this: “There is no FREEDOM; there is only FREE FROM.”

He discussed it further, but I hope you will take a moment to think about it.

Peace and Respect to everyone.

Regardless of all the arguments with or against closing books@, I’ve been going to that place for a very long time now and basically witnessed all the alterations in the decor, staff, met very interesting people from all backgrounds…etc. Probably it would’ve been best if it hadn’t served alcohol in Ramadan, but it had been and for three years now probably and no one objected so why now!

I fast and vehemently object to ppl eating/smoking in public during Ramadan, but ppl who go to closed places like books in that month and mostly foreigners aren’t doing so publicly and it wouldn’t affect me as a Muslim coz I simply won’t be going there during hours of fasting. It has a license otherwise I don’t think they would’ve been open for three years now. In my view, alcohol is highly endorsed by the govt as a lucrative industry and it would be an utter hypocrisy to ban all places from serving it in Ramdan that’s why they keep places with certain ratings, like books, operating in that month. Sad how religious people are all cheery about this news… Jordan is changing and will change for the better, and by change, I don’t mean absolute decadence like some here would think… I hope books reopens very soon

Regardless of all the arguments with or against closing books@, I’ve been going to that place for a very long time now and basically witnessed all the alterations in the decor, staff, met very interesting people from all backgrounds…etc. Probably it would’ve been best if it hadn’t served alcohol in Ramadan, but it had been and for three years now probably and no one objected so why now!

I fast and vehemently object to ppl eating/smoking in public during Ramadan, but ppl who go to closed places like books in that month and mostly foreigners aren’t doing so publicly and it wouldn’t affect me as a Muslim coz I simply won’t be going there during hours of fasting. It has a license otherwise I don’t think they would’ve been open for three years now. In my view, alcohol is highly endorsed by the govt as a lucrative industry and it would be an utter hypocrisy to ban all places from serving it in Ramdan that’s why they keep places with certain ratings, like books, operating in that month. Sad how religious people are all cheery about this news… Jordan is changing and will change for the better, and by change, I don’t mean absolute decadence like some here would think… I hope books reopens very soon

Aziz:

Whats wrong in saying that their stinking breathe is actually represents their deeds…. didnt they forge and illegally accused Books@…. thats an attack on those who hurt Madian….
YOU ON THE OTHER HAND MADE IT A MUSLIM ISSUE AGAIN …..DO YOU SEE A PATTERN ……

you’re not so different from the medevil church freaks.

Apparently you need to drag your yourself to the present my dear……….

someone should shut their mouths up… and I think its the best chance for you now to do that … you have to take the advantage of that and make a big fuss about it …
by fighting them you could make a big change in Jordan …
Please don’t wait till Ramadan finishes.
I’m really so pissed off from what happened.
Its for sure not about alcohol its just these ppl loves to show that they have some power and they think that they are making Jordan a better country …
I saw them Today spinning around in Rainbow St. with thier ministry of tourism car … looking at all ppl sitting there with hate in their eyes …

I don’t know what to call it is it hate or they are jealous or what … but Its definitely not about religion or “min dafi3 diny” … they r so far from religion …

“jalsat 7ameema wa tabadol al qubal” what the hell!!!??? is there something like that in our law?? that’s so funny …

Hey all… median I’m really sorry for your troubles and hope you work it out, i should be writing a paper on reductionism, but the thing is there’s a point the majority of you have failed to notice and only some have…. I haven’t left Amman too long ago so i should be current on how things work (I used to work with ALOT of government departments and agencies) and to be entirely honest to you nay sayers there is development subtle as it maybe it is there Rome wasn’t built in a day… and to those of you who’ve only lived in WEST AMMAN not JORDAN I’ll be blunt “you don’t want democracy” i wont elaborate… anyway… I was really disappointed by the fact that a jordanian businessman with a legal permit to conduct business “regardless of it’s nature” was shut down with no grounds whatsoever and further more accused with false charges, this is not the Jordan I know and love… so Midian my advice to you is to get in contact with the other establishments owners and work together to tackle this, not for alcohol, not for eating in Ramadan, but for a Jordan where rights can not be given and taken like mood swings.

And please including jenocide, poverty, and homosexuality in the argument. Amateur debater style doesnt help. and Utah followed a legal procedure to ban alchohol, some areas in texas dont allow alcohols too…… BRING YOUR PEOPLE AND ENACT A LAW BUT DONT SCREAM AT PEOPLE WITH PERMITS AND LEGAL PAPERS JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK THIS IS RIGHT……
Please stop you immature examples and focus on the case….IM ONLY TALKING ABOUT THE incident and you made it into a world wide discussion…. Are you in college?

include*

oh so u r playing Incessant now. Trying to hide your true skin.

everything u said condemn you as being anit-islam and full of hate, it is clear ur skin and others the so called “liberals” here. And as I said before what freedom is defined by u and them, you all spelled it our here clearly.

It is very well known that Muslims when they fast they have not so good breath bc they do not eat breakfast.

and you know that fact as u said” Im sure their stinking breathe in Ramadan” underline Ramadan.” is coming from their unholy acts”

So calling their breath is stinking is a direct insult to all Muslims and to the holy month of Ramadan which is an insult to Islam.

If it is ok to call the fasting Muslim breath stinking, then it is ok to call you a stinking un-virgin hoe who visit nightclubs to find a someone to f… u.

As for the legallity of this, they gave a warning to Median but he was stuborn, so he payed the price for being greedy. It is no harm for few days vacation. hopefully he and others will learn a lesson.

I end my comments here since it is useless with people like u.

CO CO

No sh*t shirlock, do u hear sarcasm.

Wajih and the jordanian satellite:

I totally agree with you… there are no miracle cure for all diseases and i think western democracy is not for us.

i also hope that our discussions stay above the waist line, whatever the motives behind Jessy’s arguments, they dont explain the sexual remarks thrown at her.

Lets set an example for tolerance and be more self-reserved. We are still in ramadan, the least thing we can do is to refrain from foul discussions.

Ramadan kareem

okay…… well well well!! you guys are all wondering Wat could me the reason for this attack by police??? well! Go to the cafe and you’ll certainely find out!!
Checkout the gay couples that you can obviously witness all around the place!! Many places serve alcohol…. but not many are considered ‘Gay Bars”

We live in a Muslim – oriented country….. with 95% of it’s population being Muslims, no matter if loyal or not…… This month has its rules which Everyone should abide by! Muslims never disrespect Christmas….. They never make fun of our beliefs, they never refuse to greet us on our own holy days! So how in the name of god do we allow ourselves, regardless of our religion, to disrespect the rules of this holy month of Ramadan?! The government is mostly the one to blame for allowing this very public use of alcohol in the city! (In other Arab countries, like UAE , alcohol is served in bars and hotels only! But NOT in a Coffee shop/Restaurant wannabe!) and the problem is that they realize this only in Ramadan and that’s when they get in action!

I strongly Support BANNING alcoholic Drinks in all Coffee shops…. and limiting alcohol serving in the city to certain areas!

The importance of the issues Median raised is not the debate that needs to be addressed here. Any argument that takes Median’s case to a discussion level on Palestine, War, poverty or respect for religious practices …any such argument will disarm Median’s call for change .WE all know that the question here is why do our authorities act so brutally and inconsistently with what a place like books offers represents and chooses to be in a country that lives off tourism and supposedly was built on a “rooted ” diversity in cultures life styles and religious beliefs.

At the root of the unacceptable and unprofessional behavior on behalf of the group that requested books close down is a disrespect and intolerance to difference .The act was aggressive disrespectful and did not align with MOT and The restaurant owners association ‘s previous permits .
At the heart of it all is a lack of understanding of pluralism; which does not mean to accept difference but to create systems that recognize that in the name of religion dogma ideology etc we can inflict great injustices and therefore any minority lifestyle culture etc must be accommodated with respect and protected against any abusive actions in the name of …..any entity!
Having said that I believe Median should take immediate legal action and address the policy makers and security heads. His argument is valid from civic regulatory viewpoint. I am sorry he had to experience the disrespectful attitudes of the individual professionals who in the name of love for Islam commit unacceptable actions.
Is this significant? Yes… for our community to evolve civically Median’s plea is deeply significant. Ramadan Kareem

It’s painfully obvious that the debate here misses mark. to permit or not to permit alcohol in Cafes in Jordan is the smaller issue. but for a government official to accuse you of breaking the law based on bogus evidence is STATE TERROR.

Yes, these are agents of the state who are trying to destroy the livelihood of law-abiding citizens and Arab businessmen.

But when the state falsifies evidence against you after failing to catch you in any illegal act, and when the state enforces the laws against you but not against their own, that’s when law and order breaks down and justice packs its bags and leaves Jordan along with other investments.

I tend to agree with those who say that Jordan is heading into an uncertain future. There are many recent stories of corrupt government that have begun to surface via emails from friends about businessmen in Jordan who are suffering from state corruption such as threats to shut business if they don’t pay protection money to inspectors who pay their bosses. This corrupt seems widespread in Jordanian government and is now looking more like organized crime but with outright government help.

but neither the local press nor local authorities are responding. 90% of these cases target Jordanians who are not backed by powerful clans or Iraqi businessmen and now Lebanese. It’s as if the thugs have turfs based on the origins of the victims.

It’s as of there is a systematic effort to squeeze certain groups in Jordan out of politics and the economy for the benefit of few powerful clans.

I moved from Iraq to Jordan about 15 years ago. Jordan was the promise land for many Arab business men. Not anymore. Most Iraqis I know are moving out to UAE, Syria, and Egypt (the irony) after getting fleeced and bullied by people who work for the state of Jordan.

Please digg

http://digg.com/world_news/Closing_of_Books_Cafe

to get this to as many people as we can.

Funny how this thread turned into a debate between islamophobia and homophobia.
You guys need to chill.

For all the homophobes, you can move to Saudi Arabia and mingle with descendants of wahhabi compagnons.

For all the islamophobes, move to Texas and feed on sweet ice tea.

For all the fun people, come to Beirut to party with me this weekend! We’ve got enough booze, pimps and rock’n'roll!

Love

And there we have it as usual instead of having a “mature” discourse it sinks down to the level of Religious intolerance, intolerance, swearing, name -calling etc. etc. etc.
The discussion ran off track, the whole point of this thing is that a business was closed down due to some lies, the serving of alcohol was permitted books had all the papers, this is a matter of business and law, not a moslem christian whatever.

As I said earlier State Sponsored Stupidity is dangerous.

People who don’t live in Jordan really shouldn’t start telling us who live here how to live, I am not saying they do not know about matters here,and things change so quickly, but remember vision becomes a bit hazy from a distance.

Its not so much the fear of Islam but the lovely special forms of intrepretation where everyone wants to force their own special version of it down everybody throat, that’s the type of thing I am against.

To those of you who think that homosexuality is a disease, I suggest you look at the recent classifications and definitions of it, because if after that you still think it is a disease you need to get you r heads checked and your mouths sewn up (Sorry got a bit carried away here, NOT!). Disgusting is term you use for bigots racists and carrion, not for the idea of 2 people whatever their sex is who love each other YES I SAID IT LOVE each other.

Instead of focusing on something that really isn’t anybody’s but the individuals business focus on something like:
DISEASE & FAMINE… THese are the things you should be pondering before you rush home to your banquets of Iftar (by the way do any of the people fasting actually give food to the poor before sitting down to eat themselves, I can tell you a very few do.).

Back to topic Books IS NOT A GAY place but a GAY FRIENDLY family place. Where families go and everyone can mix with no judgement. And to close it down when they have their papers in order is criminal and the people who did should be punished.

Maha,

Leave that little dark place that lives inside you exactly where it belongs inside… history has proven that people with your views learn to be tolerant and appreciate the differences in people the hard way.. i do not wish the hard way upon you.. but i do hope that one day you will rid yourself of the hate.. in the meantime, i think everyone here would respect you more if you relieve yourself of the right to speak.. as it is at this moment nothing but clutter.. we are trying to resolve a much larger issue.. something that is not riddled with prejudice and hate.. i am sure you do not know the place.. but obviously you do not belong here

hala.. from your mouth to God’s ears.. fingers crossed!!.. although your sarcasm does not evade me.. but we are trying our best here

1. You should TOTALLY get Wastah and use Rashwa, get this issue solved, and THEN write an expose on how things REALLY work here!!

That is the true story, not what the government can do. Every government on this planet can create decrees and rules an regulations that will not go well with the public, but truthfully and honestly: how many can go against their own words when money or wasta is used??? Not that many.

2. I totally agree with many people here, go public, go worldwide, use the press, use the media, show the world how things are really done here.

let us see what more they can do after this becomes a very public issue.

To all those entrenched in opposing positions… Those who wrought upon us the joy of reading some of the most hateful, disrespectful, intolerant rubbish one can read in a comment thread; I SALUTE YA! Yet another proof that even moderated commenting systems doesn’t work. As the old Arabic proverb goes, a pot spills what’s in it.

Most posters here were off the mark, and by a mile. It’s not because the real motive for the closure was not instigated by cultural intolerance (Quite frankly I think it was. After all, The @ place was the focus of many many stories ever since its inception back in 1997. Some of it true… Most are not). The two most relevant issues here are: 1- legal (closing a place under a false pretext – the roaches claim, which is the most serious of all claims) and 2- political (was this episode a continuation of the summer long soap of “neo liberals vs. conservatives?). The first was stated by many posts. The latter, only few touched upon, albeit not very eloquently. If the closure was indeed part of that confrontation between the two main political fronts of the current Jordanian political divide, then the case of Book isn’t so special after all.

I am liberal, non-practicing Muslim. But I do understand (at least to a certain extent) the source of the disdain and resentment conservative religious people feel towards me and the lot who share my ideals. Few can argue the fact that the vast majority of liberals in Jordan are well off western Ammanites, while the opposite number is made of lower middle class all the way down. I hope I need not elaborate on this all too familiar theme.

The issue of discussion here is the contradicting instructions, the general and loose-ended wording used in the mandates which allow for abuse of power and the absence of once-and-for-all clear stand on how handling the issue of restaurants and Ramadan by our policy makers.
This story continues to emerge into the surface every year during Ramadan. Shall restaurants be closed? Shall alcohol be banned? And every year, there are instructions after others, some of them are distributed, some of them appear suddenly at the time, and the result is: such an issue of how restaurants operate in Ramadan becomes at the hands of some official employees who wish to see the rules applied according to THEIR ideologies and beliefs and personal relations! it is this issue that should be discussed, the issue of having clear and fixed instructions that do not change by the change of public officials or the members of the inspection committees.
The issue is not about fasting in Ramadan, or opening a restaurant in Ramadan, or serving food and alcohol in Ramadan, because all of these are forms of expressing personal freedoms! Books @ cafe and other restaurants in Jordan do not force people to break their fasting or drink alcohol during Ramadan, those who do not drink alcohol or fast in Ramadan can simply refuse to go there! The same should apply vice versa since Jordan does not have “Al-Amr bel Ma3rouf” committee, the system should not allow inspection committees to act as such!
Finally, such behavior by public employees, and the failure of having clear regulations that governs such issues, only contribute in harming the image of Jordan. for this reason, and this reason only, we should go beyond our different personal beliefs, and fight against the abuse of power, which could harm us, extend to harm our personal beliefs as well!

“jalsat 7ameema wa tabadol al qubal.” gosh , this country is doomed anyway .. there is no better reason…

PEOPLE, serving alcohol is a ***** PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT!

Know the difference. its a license much as a driving license, the ministry of transportation can revoke your license anytime because its a privilege to drive not a right!

yes you can fight legally on why and how they revoke a license, but not on basis of freedom of rights.

besides, as one commentator mentioned, other muslims tolerate such places for 11 months, respect them for 1 month, i think thats a bargain offer.

and like what other commentator mentioned, its not a big deal! the place’s service is *****, and their food is OKAY, i mean come on people, it’s not like a gourmet french cusine. cold thin pizzas and salads filled with cheap iceberg lettuce.

I respect madian because he was an engine for a change, (notice ‘was’) whether on the social level or business level. but he should be PROACTIVE, take this initiative as step to give his place a make over and service upgrade. not to whine and **** about freedom of alcohol rights.

how many nights kids under 21 left that place drunk and drove home drunk. trust me, if it was in a ‘western’ country, he would be fined millions for that let alone shut his place.

and sorry, books@cafe is not the only place in amman where tolerance exists. I mean just because u see alot of ‘tourists’ hanging around, with other cool-wanna bees, doesnt make a place a beacon for tolerance like one commentator said above.

….oh shit, the mosque next door is calling for Dohor Prayer, let me go turn off my music for few minutes. u know.. I RESPECT the call for prayer.

OBSERVATUER , i will rise above your words and take the higher moral ground regarding what shalow is , However what i love about your comment is how oxymoronic it is and how it only proves my point , if you are talking about tolerating and subculture , They are tolerating for 11 months , we can tolertae for one … Bonjournee

SHUT UP GUYS! Those of you who decided to speak on behalf of Christians in Jordan, speak for yourselves. You are embarrassing us with your rudeness. This is not about tolerance and freedom of religion. This is about a few who want their lifestyles to trump all others. I am a Christan and in Ramadan I can drink alcohol at home or at my friends’ house. It’s not against the law. We have parties in Ramdan and we drink to our hearts’ content. We go to church every Sunday in Ramadan or in any other month without any restrictions. We hang the cross before, during, and after.

So please stop speaking on Christians’ behalf. All of you are Books@Cafe regulars and you are loyal customers and friends of the Jazeerahs. Great. Nothing wrong with that. But they way you are conducting this campaign makes us look like we want hedonism or bullying not tolerance.

You want to fight the Books@Cafe issue as a case of government corruption and selective enforcement of the law, I am with you. But DON’T F***NG TURN IT INTO A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ISSUE. you are abusing the concept and you have no clue what it means.

Want to know what it means? Go to India where they are killing Christians for being Christians. Go to Philippines where they target-shoot Muslims in remote islands. We are so fortunate to have a country like Jordan. This part of the world is the homeland of Christianity and we have been here for hundreds of centuries because of the culture of co-existence.

Jessy , I think your understanding of liberalism needs a re check , again I will rise above your peronal attack and ask you to go back and understand what liberalism is and for your own knowledge liberalism did n ot start from US, or did yo not know that ???.. once your actions encrouche on others , you need to stop and think…I have read some of your posts and it is really sad to see how you react and attack people , may be you are a hard core republican but yo do not know that yet , re examine your thoughts , be more rational . Good luck , I hope they keep it close all Ramadan and once upon will go there

well im sure it would have been fine if they just told them not to surve or just provoked their licence … not shut the place up … this shows the “Forgivness” and “Respect” of these “Religious” people in their “Holy” month of ramadan …

Harout , 100% RIGHT YOU ARE , THAT WOULD HAVE SOLVED The PROBLEM .

Observateur & Jessy , read teh below definitions , it might helpyou out to look at things from a different perspective

(5) Liberal Radicals are adherents of progressive modem ideas, which they try to realize without consideration for the existing order or for other people’s rights, ideas, and feelings. Such was the first Liberal political party, the Spanish Jacobinos in 1810. This is the Radicalism, which under the mask of liberty is now annihilating the rights of Catholics in France.

(6) The Liberal Democrats want to make the masses of the common people the deciding factor in public affairs. They rely especially on the middle classes, whose interests they pretend to have at heart.

Hazem, you got my id and have the definition of tolerance wrong.

Tolerance means respect other choices of belief and practices as long as they dont interfere with your freedom.

I respect your belief of the sinful nature of alcohol, and I respect your practice of not drinking any, and I respect your holy month of Ramadan.

And I except in return for you

To respect my belief on the un-sinful nature of alcohol, to respect my practice of drinking it anytime of the year (as long as I dont get drunk in public) and respect my right drink and eat in public when I feel so any time of the year.

It isn’t about Christians in Jordan as some pointed out here. It is more about any other non-extremist or non-religious muslim. I know many muslims who choose not to fast and they are not tolerated for their choices, I know many are muslims or christians in name and identitfy themselves to be atheists or agnostics and don’t fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Those people should be tolerated and respected as well. I don’t see the same law applied when Christians fast. People can still eat chocklate, eat shawerma and drink milk in the streets while our christians brothers fast. They don’t consider it irrespectful to christianity! or to themselves! Hell it can’t be! Fasting is a personal choice one for himself, you dont force people not to eat in public because you are hungry! That is a violation of others freedom and imposing of your own beliefs which is wrong, even if you share your views with the majority of the citizens of this country. It is still wrong.

Dear Madian,

can you please state the main differences between cafes and restaurants classifications? like whats the difference between 3 stars cafe and no stars cafe vs. num of licenses? can one have to same licenses hotel restaurants have?

Is it the law that all non-hotel restaurants and cafes stop their service during day time in Ramadan?

after what happened, are there any places left open in Amman that serve food and Alcohol or was the ban selective?

Observateur , You are saying what I am saying bit let me put it in a different way . Youe belief , your actions, your ideas, etc.. are yours , you can advocate for all, but out of basic human decency , you try and respect the others and do what you want without insulting them, Alcohol served in a place like boos@Cafe is in Ramadan is insuling , even to many christians . One month of No alcohol versus 11 months of all what you can do .. Is that too much to ask fopr or we simply understand life as balck & White. Unless yo uare a radical Liberal and that is also a form of Fanaticisim .Just use logic

The Observer,

I remind you again, that while you can legally drink alcohol in private or infront of your cool friends, you still DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to sell or serve alcohol. its a PRIVILEGE given to you by the governing authority.

it has nothing to do with being muslim or christian. It’s the law. even in the US, its a privilege given to the masses. there is no violation of ‘freedom’. so stop arguing as if you hold the flag of liberty to the jordanian masses.

BTW christians are a minority, their fasting is highly respected nevertheless. and they can STILL eat while they fast. their fasting is different. when you go to the west and you fast, do they respect the holy month of ramadan? oh wait… they are secular, i forgot.

and your premise of eating/drinking in public in ramadan doesn’t violate freedom, because we still eat in public during christian fasting, is faulty and invalid at its best. firstly, not related to this post’s topic and secondly, even if it was, alcohol is technically banned in islam throughout the year. so wasn’t it so respectful to christians that Jordan’s government ‘allowed’ serving alcohol for 11 months? I think it was. fair deal.

I know it sucks. Why not post something on HM the Queen’s YouTube channel for instance? It doesn’t solve the problem but it sheds some light on it.

Some people fast and some dont, poeple who fast does not have to go out to any place that serves food. they could stay home. the people who dont fast needs to go out and chill. and knowing books@cafe, its a place were a lot of tourists visit. We dont have decent places in Amman and the government or whoever is responsible should wake up to reality. WE ARE FREE TO FAST OR NOT!its ‘MY’ personal relationship with God NOT the governemnt or ANYONE!
to show how religious they are, they ‘LIED’ to close the place down… and they call themselves religious.

I’m Jordanian-American and I have fond memories of spending time with my cousin at Books@Cafe. I found this cafe to be very special because it welcomed people from different backgrounds. Books@Cafe is a symbol of tolerance and acceptance in Jordan. I have faith that I will have a cup of coffee (or a beer) there again on my next visit to Jordan.

well , sorry 2 say this but give me a break … i know at least 300 people in my circle who r muslims , n they dont even think of ramadan , they dont fast or pray or anything of that matter , some of them r even from KSA …
N another thing … i know looooooooots of muslim people who live on drinking , at least some of the people know there limits …
this “syam” thing is having more PUBLICITY than it should , cmon … ramadan nights , shows , offers … the only things that missing is ramadan belly dancers …
loooooool

To those who think this is about religion, at the official level in Jordan, it’s rarely about religion or righteousness, even when this is the articulated objectives. It’s almost always about $$$.

if Books@Cafe is shutdown, it means someone paid for this to happen or someone from their inner circle will jump in to replace it and reap the profits of weakened competition.

This is sort of like the counterfeit DVD shops downtone and how some are closed while others florish.

It’s so corrupt around here it’s hopeless. We even beat Syria and Egypt now.

I bet most of those thugs will hang the King’s photo and a flag inside their cars and blast the radio wheever Abudllat sings Jayshuna.

Some of the most corrupt people in Jordan are the ultra nationalist blowhards. And rightly so. Jordan is their cow and boy does it produce lots of milk and the smaller the circle, the more milk portions.

You know we have a serious problem when patriotism is directly related to the spread of corruption. That’s how the inner circle was conditioned.

It’s all about the loot.

Okay i think this is my last post because the conversation here has regressed..
I dont think this is about tolerance, or religion people.. this is about corruption and a total lack of respect for the laws; maybe even a total lack of respect for the concept of law that should not be changed every year to reflect a different mindset

Madian.. i really think the action plan should be as follows:

1- Forge an alliance with those who have been affected
2- Create a speaking platform (press conference) where you can address all issues – and again be well versed in the law – if you can have both a lawyer and a ministry rep on the same table
3- Invite those who have made the decision to participate – offering an objective viewpoint
4- Invite all media (international included)

I will write the release for you and create the full logistical plan for you if you need it.

Love You Sunshine.. you really do make the world go round for me:)

love you books@cafe!

Madian,
Don’t escalate, and don’t follow serene’s advice. I say this because this issue will move from a confrontation with a governmental entity to a confrontation with the society. The Backlash can affect your bottom line and maybe bring worse-than-you-can-expect reprecussions. The fear is that with all the economic and political failures is that the government might want to find a scape goat to re-direct the anger at.

My two cents.

Hazem, it is the observer, not observateur, that is another id.

People do choose to be offended. Any place serving alcohol in Ramadan shouldnt be insulting to anyone. It isn’t like people are forcing you to drink against your well. You have your own belief of the sinful nature of alcohol, and it is your own belief. You shouldnt be offended if others dont share it with you.

I had a Ramadan Iftar at my house with my friends today. We were 4 christians and 6 muslims. One of which was fasting. We had food and alcohol as well. No one was offended. We had a very beautiful evening. No one tried to impose his beliefs on the others. We all respected each other choices and we all are tolerant to each other beliefs.

Doesnt matter, you are right, selling or serving alcohol is a privilage, a privilage that was given by the government to those venues and was violated.

As for Christians, yes they are minorities in Jordan, but so what? Aren’t all Jordanians equal againts the law? Isnt that what our constitution state? If you are going to forbade non fasting people from eating in public in Ramadan, then you should apply the same rule for Christian fasting on other non fasting citizens. It is ridiculous, no? It is more insulting to prevent anyone from eating in public rather than seeing one doing so while you are fasting.

As for Alcohol, it isn’t just about Christians. It is also about muslims who choose to drink, and others who identify themselves to be atheists or agnostics or any other Jordanian citizen who doesn’t care if alcohol consumption is haram or not. Alcohol is banned in Islam yes, and I respect Muslims who choose not to drink alcohol, but it isn’t banned in the Jordanian law, is it?

But as you said, this is entirely off topic.

Because drinking alcohol according to Sharia law is a violation, i’m sorry to say that gainig public sympathy for such a cause is out of the question!
The issue worth publicizing in local media would be the degree of authoritive power abuse by our security and government offices.
The problem is not human rights violations in the name of Religion, but the corrupt loose system that gives the law enforcer the capacity to enforce law as he/she percieves and the capacity to fabricate facts and persecute.
Lack of an active institution to safeguard us the citizens/residents from such abuse is a tragedy. Perhaps inspection is much more needed in government offices than the books@cafe kitchen.

Because drinking alcohol according to Sharia law is a violation, i’m sorry to say that gainig public sympathy for such a cause is out of the question!
The issue worth publicizing in local media would be the degree of authoritive power abuse by our security and government offices.
The problem is not human rights violations in the name of Religion, but the corrupt loose system that gives the law enforcer the capacity to enforce law as he/she percieves and the capacity to fabricate facts and persecute.
Lack of an active institution to safeguard us the citizens/residents from such abuse is a tragedy. Perhaps inspection is much more needed in government offices than the books@cafe kitchen.

You re missing the whole point – its not about the alcohol…I dont think you re getting this at all

I’m going to repeat what sarab wrote for the Ignorant ppl making comments!Again, this is not about serving food and alcohol in ramadan, this about goverment officials fabricating evidance to serve their own need of forcing thier beliefs on everyone around them!
If they can do this to Madian in ramadan, they can fabricate evidance on any of you any other time! This is far more serious than just SERVING ALCOHOL!wake up ppl!
Books is officially licensed to serve food and alcohol, anyone who disapproves just stay away and respect others of other religions and muslims who choose not fast, just as they respect you in the streets.

First of all im sorry for what happened,it’s shocking indeed finding out that Books@Cafe and y’all have been mistreated in such fashion!

I think it’s unethical and nowhere near logical that those liquor stores keep opening and selling in Ramadan while Books is being accused for this.What about the ather hundred places that provide these kind of services? Shouldn’t Hotels and Resorts be getting this hard time?

Books is the one letting Alcohol inside the country! “Intimate gathering,sharing kisses” is crap and a ridiculous excuse.Nighclub? Oh please either they are blind or not reading ur classification as a restaurant.

This smells funky,Why the system is not defending us and protecting what we do since it’s legal? why the constitution is trying to punish our job and what i have been allowed to do? Why the Ministry haven’t lend out a hand and helped? And by the way since when Alcohol became more important than drugs,prostitution,bribery,falsification,illegal practices,pornography,honor crimes?

As for religions,that’s a thing between u and God,people are free to choose what they want to believe in.We shouldn’t point fingers at our neighbour,when we too have our sack of sins,i do not look down upon people who are ain’t from my creed and i think that we should respect each ather likewise!

I applaud u for ur decesion,Jazerah! I know i won’t be standing with my arms crossed,seeing my bread of the day being sabotaged by some papers……I love Books,Best of luck!

Cheers~

Dear conservative muslims,

why don’t I respect your religion when i have a beer at any bar that has a licence to sell it during Ramadan? I don’t force you to join me, do I? This ‘We respect you for 11 months, please respect us for 1 month’ sounds extremely childish. I respect you 12 months a year, regardless of your drinking or whatever habits.

As somebody else said before, this is not about alcohol. This is about tolerance. If there are laws, let’s stick to them. Otherwise there is just chaos, insecurity and fear. If this society agrees on banning alcohol in public places, I’d accept it. But how do you wanna find out what society agrees on without democratic elections and where wasta is a common means of influence? Any alternatives?

It is strange that some of the people who are deeply religious get so offended easily … as soon as somebody criticises anything that has somehow to do with religious believes these believers believe that they are hated. Why is it that such a discourse eventually leads to this low-level discussion? So strange … why aren’t you self-confident enough to be able to tell the difference between an argument and an offence?

But then there’s lots of competition these days for any religion, so you get frightened to lose power, I guess.

For the sake of peace and tolerance, I hope that one day the moderate muslims will start voicing their opinion. At least one or two started here – please continue. The loud ones are usually the narrow-minded, backward muslims, as this thread shows. Btw the same goes for fundamentalist christians.

To those people who think that homosexuality is a desease: Educate yourselves! Don’t believe in fairy tales. You seem to have internet access, so why don’t you use it to gain knowledge? Don’t only listen to your parents or whoever told you stuff like that. Start to question everything. But to do that it needs lots of strength … and you’d have to check out unknown territory, beyond your believes.

It is quite obvious that some people are happy that Books had to close down – not only because they serve alcohol, but because of the place’s tolerance of any sexual orientation. When will these extremely conservative believers learn to respect others? Probably never. But hopefully their children will.

It is up to us who live in this country and shape it with our opinions and debates.

Claim your right, Median.

why this subject is still here? I mean this will not help. why no one write about it in the Jordan times or any newspaper al-ghad or anything …

fighting here will not help? what are you waiting for?
why Jordanians always afraid from talking in their real names and they always use fake names?

I know that there is so many ppl here who have some connections that can help to solve this … I’m pretty sure there are some writers who read this subject but they are afraid to write about it …

if books will not open before Ramadan ends then it means that nothing happened and nothing changed and there is nothing accomplished …

this subject should go to the traditional media and not stay here … it should be in Arabic so everybody knows about it …

Till when we will keep just talking and do nothing? I mean why do i see that the Islamic party here in Jordan is the only one who do some actions? and not just talk

That’s really scary … if this didn’t change then Amman will become worse and worse …

why this subject is still here? I mean this will not help. why no one write about it in the Jordan times or any newspaper al-ghad or anything …

fighting here will not help? what are you waiting for?
why Jordanians always afraid from talking in their real names and they always use fake names?

I know that there is so many ppl here who have some connections that can help to solve this … I’m pretty sure there are some writers who read this subject but they are afraid to write about it …

if books will not open before Ramadan ends then it means that nothing happened and nothing changed and there is nothing accomplished …

this subject should go to the traditional media and not stay here … it should be in Arabic so everybody knows about it …

Till when we will keep just talking and do nothing? I mean why do i see that the Islamic party here in Jordan is the only one who do some actions? and not just talk

That’s really scary … if this didn’t change then Amman will become worse and worse …

Thank you samia for what you said, this isnt about religion, ive never had an issue being a christian here, and i never will! i am firstly Arab, jordanian and then christian. people who are turning this into a religious argument are bitter immature people, regardless muslim or christian. So everyone sitting in books in ramadan is christian,right? we choose to actually go out of our way to get drunk and try to offend muslims in ramadan? seriously? we are all there! muslim , christian, straight, gay..jordanian, foreign..books is a closed space, with doors, if you dont like whats inside, stay outside, no one is forcing you to enter and observe! Grappa is open and it serves alchohol! also la calle does! why are they still open? i dont get it. you see its more than that..oh, and homosexuality is not a disease, whoever said that id like to see your reaction when your brother or bestfriend, whom you think is a star, actually confronts you and says “im gay.” See you wont understand and i dont expect you to. and for the people throwing remarks back and forth at eachother are missing the point here, this is to support books and what this cafe stands for, not sex, not alchohol, but freedom of expression, to dress the way i want, to order only water and not get the ” fee cover charge” attitude, and walk in and not be bashed for not being a couple! so now i need a girlfriend to enjoy a nice place in amman, because you know, if im single, that means im up to no good, right? how does that make a single man in jordan feel? proud? happy? free?
Freedom of expression! to be! life is too short.. i know media didnt help the image of islam lately, and thats sad, because i know what islam is. but extremism is wrong in any religion. And usually in first world countries weather we like it or not are providing much better lives for their people because they respect their freedom and abide by the law! show me the law that closed books that actually had permission to serve alchohol? mice and rats? reminds me of casper and gambinis, but wait, its not a gay hangout.
one last thing before this gets too boring, i can go forever, the guy who said “we LET you celebrate christmas” you dont LET us do nothing my dear friend, we dont need YOUR permission or anyone elses! This is MY COUNTRY as much as it is yours! and from the way you think, im sure ill be voted as a better citizen over you.

Madian, we love books, it will always be open im sure, you have my support in wahtever you decide to do. your smart, you’ll think of a way.

تم القبض على براءة اختراع و افكار جديدة قد تُحدث تغير فى عادة عدم التفكير و حرق الساحرات …الرجاء عدم تناول النفايات المعتادة والنظر الى غروب الشمس على شبابيك جبل الاشرفية

http://www.akhbarkhayr.com

تم القبض على براءة اختراع و افكار جديدة قد تُحدث تغير فى عادة عدم التفكير و حرق الساحرات …الرجاء عدم تناول النفايات المعتادة والنظر الى غروب الشمس على شبابيك جبل الاشرفية

http://www.akhbarkhayr.com

this is a country thats 52years old. we are still bedouins but were living in houses and driving cars. DONT pretend were a democracy, DONT pretend we have the skills to have open mindedness and tolderance… and DONT expect people to respect ur views if they arent the mainstream. Its a country where talents are squashed and anything that is unique is blown to pieces…

i dont agree with what happened but im not surprised, which is even more depressing…

all you people supporting what happened, u r the reason why this country will keep sliding backwards while other countries of the world develop…

were not just 400 years behind the west, were not even moving in the right direction… its freakin hopeless

SO WHAT UR SAYING IS U ARE OFFENDED BY THE CONSUMPTION OF A 7ALLOUM SANDWICH BY SOME RANDOM PERSON…

That just shows u have very little confidence in ur faith and a lot of insecurity…

im curious, do u get more offended by better sandwiches?

SO WHAT UR SAYING IS U ARE OFFENDED BY THE CONSUMPTION OF A 7ALLOUM SANDWICH BY SOME RANDOM PERSON…

That just shows u have very little confidence in ur faith and a lot of insecurity…

im curious, do u get more offended by better sandwiches?

تصادم بين الاديان السماوية أدى الى هطول امطار غزيرة شبه جزيرة فشلقند ( الشرق الاوسط سابقاً ) , لكن لا يأس مع الحياة

http://www.akhbarkhyar.com

it seems that people are too engaged in the method of the islamic teachings that they forget the message, the goal.

They’re worried about not eating more than actually applying themselves to become better muslims.

Its like people think they can get away with a lot more because hey, theyre fasting and noone is going to question how “good” they are

it seems that people are too engaged in the method of the islamic teachings that they forget the message, the goal.

They’re worried about not eating more than actually applying themselves to become better muslims.

Its like people think they can get away with a lot more because hey, theyre fasting and noone is going to question how “good” they are

Some people insist the Books@cafe closure issue is a religious and personal freedoms campaign. Well, if this is the case then how come dozens of hotels in Amman still serve alcohol in Ramadan? How come?

So do yourselves a favor and accept the fact Books was closed for other reasons than alcohol or some religious intolerance campaign. There are better ways to attract support for your favorite cafe other than lying.

pack your bags and get the hell out of jordan!

pack your bags and get the hell out of jordan!

News flash :

Jordan is not a democracy!

You think drinking alcohol and more cafe’s and bars makes you free and progressive ?

Don’t kid yourselves. You have the illusion that you are free…while the majority of the population in Jordan are not under that illusion whatsoever , they live the oppression everyday.

Although i think what happened is bullshit and shouldn’t have happened , its about time it finally hit the minority that you are merely living an illusion of freedom.

Aziz: “God bless Jordan”

loooool @ you.

http://www.kabobfest.com/2008/09/alaa-hlehel-nightmare-called-ramadan.html

read.

Aziz: “God bless Jordan”

loooool @ you.

http://www.kabobfest.com/2008/09/alaa-hlehel-nightmare-called-ramadan.html

read.

Dear Daniel:

How come when last time I walked naked in Paris capital I got arrested? how come last time I made love to my girlfriend in NY metro I got arrested? I was not forcing you to walk naked or to have sex with my girlfriend? Are you such perverts that every time I walk naked you have to look at me? are such perverts that every time I make love to my girlfriends you stop and stare and slobber then you act indignant? What about my personal freedoms?

And last time a called certain religious groups names, I also got arrested. why? you don’t like what i have to say, don’t listen.

And what about the Muslim women who were kicked out of french schools for wearing the hijab ? they did not force you to wear it. but you have no problems shaming them nationally as of they were outcasts.

you make your own laws and we make our own.

But I wish to refer you to my above post about availability of alcoholic in Amman. Just in case you are craving an alcohol enema.

And if you still feel righteous, I wish to remind you that as we speak, your military is in Iraq and Afghanistan is killing women and children.

just to give you a sense of perspective.

Luna, don’t bother. these people want to turn their silly little hangout in Jabal amman into a cause celebre, something bigger than it really is. they are Books@Cafe regulars and someone interrupted their daily routine. They are people of some influence and they are willing to abuse this influence for the sake of restoring their daily routine. in a way, they are acting like troubled children who are throwing a tantrum because someone took their toys. I WANT MY BOOKS@CAFE!!!

the only case worth fighting is government corruption.

Luna, don’t bother. these people want to turn their silly little hangout in Jabal amman into a cause celebre, something bigger than it really is. they are Books@Cafe regulars and someone interrupted their daily routine. They are people of some influence and they are willing to abuse this influence for the sake of restoring their daily routine. in a way, they are acting like troubled children who are throwing a tantrum because someone took their toys. I WANT MY BOOKS@CAFE!!!

the only case worth fighting is government corruption.

who the hell is suhad and why the hell is she here? im a muslim, but suhad and many others here give islam a bad name, and we wonder why we’re third world, not suhad ofcourse because she lives in the united states and doesnt really care what goes on.
SUHAD WAKE UP FOR GODS SAKE! its not about alchohol..your so freakin insecure that when you read the word alchohol you immediately made this fight for alchohol! 2 days ago i was taking my inhaler in the car on the traffic lights, i have asthma, and i looked to my right as a pickup driver frowned at me and gave me the “kafer” look. people like him closed down books, and were ok with people like him and his background and education to take over? suhad, leave this discussion, its about religion, its about freedom of expression and corruption, go find another blog to contaminate . do you you know for sure that the people who closed books were fasting? or never had alchohol? im sure they have but to cowardly to show it or admit it.

for a better cleaner jordan.

sorry “this dicussion is NOT about religion”

sorry “this dicussion is NOT about religion”

You know, living in Jordan now, I guess there’s a reason I stayed away from places serving alcohol during Ramadan. I’m always worried that THIS would happen, even with a license in place and everything.

You just get a 6th sense about these things – which proves how irrational these incidents are to begin with, because you shouldn’t *need* a 6th sense to begin with.

This is fascinating – all the comments here are right. Everyone!

Shutting down Books@Café and the other F&B outlets around the country in a way that allows the system to abuse its own rules is the saddest low point we can get to. It does nothing but drive us to lose faith and cultivate apathy. A restaurant’s license should be honored. A rule should be respected. Common sense should be heard. Public servants should not forget that they are there to serve. The business of fear, amnesia and anesthesia should not be allowed to prevail.

Related story on ArabComment: http://arabcomment.com/2008/brand-jordan-has-lost-its-way/

This is fascinating – all the comments here are right. Everyone!

Shutting down Books@Café and the other F&B outlets around the country in a way that allows the system to abuse its own rules is the saddest low point we can get to. It does nothing but drive us to lose faith and cultivate apathy. A restaurant’s license should be honored. A rule should be respected. Common sense should be heard. Public servants should not forget that they are there to serve. The business of fear, amnesia and anesthesia should not be allowed to prevail.

Related story on ArabComment: http://arabcomment.com/2008/brand-jordan-has-lost-its-way/

lol @ jordan in general

People of ignorance will never be free!!
I say fight and finish it once and for all

People of ignorance will never be free!!
I say fight and finish it once and for all

I think that if the government doesn’t want people serving alcohol during Ramadan, then they shouldn’t license it. They cannot legally allow serving of drinks and then shut an establishment down because of it on false pretenses. This totally undermines the ministry, and it calls all of our rights into question.

That being said, I’m personally against serving alcohol in Ramadan, simply because Jordan’s official religion is Islam and Ramadan is supposed to be a holy month. What people want to do in their homes is their business, but it just seems sad that Ramadan means so little to the youth of our country. What’s going on at books@ is ridiculous, but I don’t support their decision to serve alcohol; I support their right to do so under Jordanian law, and I support their right to honesty and fairness from Jordanian authorities.

This is exactly what I hate about Jordan. You guy’s think it’s only about Books and all those places that keep getting shut down. No, its about how they expect everyone to fast with them here and abide by their RELIGIOUS LAWS. These morons who keep wanting to stretch their muscles and try to show people that they can do as they please is disgusting. These people are the reason why Jordan IS NOT GROWING AS FAST AS IT SHOULD BE. Jordan is a dam good place to live in, but when you come across people like this, people in the street who say something to you if you are chewing gum (even if you are not MUSLIM). But they expect you to fast with them. When we as Christians fast, we don’t close down their stores and have them stop selling meats and poultry. We don’t involve people in our own religious beliefs.
This has got to stop. It’s all about your last name here…it’s disgusting.

This is exactly what I hate about Jordan. You guy’s think it’s only about Books and all those places that keep getting shut down. No, its about how they expect everyone to fast with them here and abide by their RELIGIOUS LAWS. These morons who keep wanting to stretch their muscles and try to show people that they can do as they please is disgusting. These people are the reason why Jordan IS NOT GROWING AS FAST AS IT SHOULD BE. Jordan is a dam good place to live in, but when you come across people like this, people in the street who say something to you if you are chewing gum (even if you are not MUSLIM). But they expect you to fast with them. When we as Christians fast, we don’t close down their stores and have them stop selling meats and poultry. We don’t involve people in our own religious beliefs.
This has got to stop. It’s all about your last name here…it’s disgusting.

Dear Madian

I have been to books@ many times, the food is great and I always visit with my family (who are veiled by the way). The issue here is not alcohol, it is obvious that it is much bigger than that. Some things to consider and think about:

- Whether we like to admit it or not, Books@ has the reputation of being the place where the gay community hang out
- Whether any of us like it or not, admit it or not, being gay is still not socially acceptable nor does it fit within the Islamic laws
- Whether we like it or not, this is an Islamic country and we must abide by its laws and customes and respect them

There are 2 possibilities:
- The reputation of the cafe being a “gay” place has become so popular that this caused issues with the government and perhaps someone complained
- A top “wasel” person has a personal issue with the cafe or its management, or a personal incident has happened that Books@ had to pay the price for.

As you said, you have been legal through out the way, stay that way, revise the requirements, the complains, make ammendments, sweet talk some of those ****** people. At least pretend to be on their side. This is not a win situation and you need to survive. Jordan will not change overnight and a fight will get you nowhere if not in jail.

Through this meduim, you have voiced your opinion and created awareness. Awareness is key to drive a change and development in this country. That is the best you can do.

Wishing you the best of luck.

I would just like to point out that I have no issues whatsoever with the Gay community, but the reality is that this fight will not be won anytime soon.

samia u r totally unique !! i wish that all people with different religions …countries…..think like u

samia u r totally unique !! i wish that all people with different religions …countries…..think like u

Abbey, you think Jordan is heading in the wrong direction because your favorite Cafe was closed for a month? you are not bothered by the poverty? the declining quality education? the unemployment? the cancer death rate? the runaway corruption? To you Jordan is in danger because you can’t meet with your friends at Books@Cafe during Ramadan?

GOD LORD!!!! where do you people come from?

Some want to turn this into a barometer for religious freedoms, knowing they can get alcohol form a dozen other places. Some want to use it as yardstick for Jordan’s progress. GROW UP! GET REAL! GET A GRIP ON REALITY!

I have never encountered so much whining from a group of premadonnas who want it their way or life is not worth living. PLEASE, STOP THIS DISINGENUOUS MELODRAMA! YOU ARE LOSING SUPPORTERS, FAST.

i was shocked when i read this

what !!!! closing a restaurant to serve alcohol ( night club ) !!!!
ha !!! , what educated police officers they sent , it sounds creepy
closing restaurants and lying , what a believe!!!

here what we have , is this Jordan ?? the democratic country ?? the country we love , and live !!!

u have to fight median , we all with u
books@ was and will always be the best place for a lot of us
ester7am ( ya !!! ) as if u did something and regretted , oh plz forgive me ( what is thaaaat !!!! )

i was shocked when i read this

what !!!! closing a restaurant to serve alcohol ( night club ) !!!!
ha !!! , what educated police officers they sent , it sounds creepy
closing restaurants and lying , what a believe!!!

here what we have , is this Jordan ?? the democratic country ?? the country we love , and live !!!

u have to fight median , we all with u
books@ was and will always be the best place for a lot of us
ester7am ( ya !!! ) as if u did something and regretted , oh plz forgive me ( what is thaaaat !!!! )

shows what kind of hypocrisy we live in.

This is a very controversal issue, and I can see that people have different point of views, but to set things str8 here are some points to be concerned:

1. If a place is licensed by the Government to operate and serve alcohol during Ramadan, then why are we blaming Books and other cafes?

2. If this measure upsets Muslims in Jordan and the local traditions of the Holy month, why arent we bitching the Government about giving permissions and letting people have alcohol during Ramadan?

3. I went to the airport on friday morning and during Ramadan, and the cafe in the arrival terminal was serving food and coffee during the day! Is this exceptional, to have food infront of the public during the day? where are the traditions, how come I didnt hear any of you bitch about it?

4. If books is closed because its a Gay heaven, why didn’t the Government and Intelligence close it down? Is having Gays and Lesbians in a palce makes it worth closing down? What about Nai, Kanabayah, Starbucks? Gays are everywhere

5. The law should be respected and if this case invloves corruption, bribary, then shame on us and them!

This is a very controversal issue, and I can see that people have different point of views, but to set things str8 here are some points to be concerned:

1. If a place is licensed by the Government to operate and serve alcohol during Ramadan, then why are we blaming Books and other cafes?

2. If this measure upsets Muslims in Jordan and the local traditions of the Holy month, why arent we bitching the Government about giving permissions and letting people have alcohol during Ramadan?

3. I went to the airport on friday morning and during Ramadan, and the cafe in the arrival terminal was serving food and coffee during the day! Is this exceptional, to have food infront of the public during the day? where are the traditions, how come I didnt hear any of you bitch about it?

4. If books is closed because its a Gay heaven, why didn’t the Government and Intelligence close it down? Is having Gays and Lesbians in a palce makes it worth closing down? What about Nai, Kanabayah, Starbucks? Gays are everywhere

5. The law should be respected and if this case invloves corruption, bribary, then shame on us and them!

يا رجل أحسن وأرخص حل في هذا البلد هي الرشوة،لو أنا محلك برشلي شويت قروش علي هل الطرش وهيك بتحل المشكله، أسئل مجرب ولا تسئل طبيب

Well guys, come on, be realistic, if not for alcohol, this place must be shut down for many many many other things.

First of all the food is disgusting, and the waiters are very rude, and I even know a waiter who used to work there that used to spit in milkshakes when he didn’t like the customer, and no I’m not joking, I’m dead serious.

In addition, the place is full of gay people with crazy haircuts and piercings all over their faces, it’s fucking disgusting.

So why the hell do you people keep going to such a place?

Well guys, come on, be realistic, if not for alcohol, this place must be shut down for many many many other things.

First of all the food is disgusting, and the waiters are very rude, and I even know a waiter who used to work there that used to spit in milkshakes when he didn’t like the customer, and no I’m not joking, I’m dead serious.

In addition, the place is full of gay people with crazy haircuts and piercings all over their faces, it’s fucking disgusting.

So why the hell do you people keep going to such a place?

60 places closed so far !! others are not close-able due to their owners being well reputed or are coming from a powerfull background family or group !!

would someone please stop arguing about religions and respect and bribes and think what bussinesses are we keeping in our country?! and what kind of tourism are we expected to serve without tourist attractions ?? face it people, such restaurants (and i wouldn’t call them bars nor night clubs nor otherwise) are pure tourist attraction points.. do you really want those to vanish..

places that have always been known to be sociability nodes, places where people and the young generation have been speaking their minds from! places of expression and freedom of thought? i don’t think this country’s vision stops at closing such places down!

we’re going backwards with this..

and if its about alcohol serving in ramadan month, then please, why wouldn’t the authority have simply sent out new descions and orders that are RESPECTFULLY directed to (restaurants and cafes) that serve alcohol or drinks with a liscence, and simply just EDIT the liscence into food only! or even into food only after iftar time!

this is an issue to talk about.. not mutual respect or otherwise.. we’re one hell of a great community when it comes to being one! we’re always one!

>>> Loai: is this Jordan?? the democratic country??

Loai, silly me. I used to think democracy means that power transfer is done by popular elections where the majority chooses its leader and lawmakers.

Now I discover it’s done by drinking beer at Books@Cafe.

No wonder we never saw westernized Jordanians in pro-democracy rallies in Jordan all those year. They had their democracy all along in Jabal Amman. And the legislators were meeting daily at Books@cafe during happy hours enacting laws under the watchful eyes of big brother Jack Danial and before him Johnny Walker allayer7amo.

Now we know what sort of peopel frequent Book@Cafe. The incredibly shallow, narcissistic, and clinically self-absorbed types.

But I strongly believe what happened to Books was immoral, illegal, and does reflect a more troubling problem: the selective enforcement of the law and the misuse of law enforcement to harm business competitors.

>>> Loai: is this Jordan?? the democratic country??

Loai, silly me. I used to think democracy means that power transfer is done by popular elections where the majority chooses its leader and lawmakers.

Now I discover it’s done by drinking beer at Books@Cafe.

No wonder we never saw westernized Jordanians in pro-democracy rallies in Jordan all those year. They had their democracy all along in Jabal Amman. And the legislators were meeting daily at Books@cafe during happy hours enacting laws under the watchful eyes of big brother Jack Danial and before him Johnny Walker allayer7amo.

Now we know what sort of peopel frequent Book@Cafe. The incredibly shallow, narcissistic, and clinically self-absorbed types.

But I strongly believe what happened to Books was immoral, illegal, and does reflect a more troubling problem: the selective enforcement of the law and the misuse of law enforcement to harm business competitors.

Dear Madian

Your place full of gays lesbians and weird people!!
kissing is the simplest form of what they do!
you have to respect ramadan 5awa 3anak!
and I hope ur place will be closed forever!
pervert ppl!

there shouldnt even be a discussion.

if u have a license, u shouldnt get closed down unless its health related.

it has nothing to do with alcohol, gays, religion, or anything else.

the fact that it was done, means “SURPRISE” theres corruption.

dont try to justify it with other matters

welcome to jordan

there shouldnt even be a discussion.

if u have a license, u shouldnt get closed down unless its health related.

it has nothing to do with alcohol, gays, religion, or anything else.

the fact that it was done, means “SURPRISE” theres corruption.

dont try to justify it with other matters

welcome to jordan

that should happened since long time ago… i am happy….

sorry… didn’t continue my message… that should happened since long time ago so people can see how many places were closed although they didn’t desrve that… wake up yalla wake up…

sorry… didn’t continue my message… that should happened since long time ago so people can see how many places were closed although they didn’t desrve that… wake up yalla wake up…

I agree with one of the recommendations here in the comments section: You need to get international media coverage. AP and AFP have both covered the closure of establishments in Iran during Ramadan, but we’ve seen nothing on the wires about closures in the so-called “moderate” state of Jordan.
Please e-mail me so we can arrange an interview and/or get in touch with the wire agencies ASAP. Thanks and best of luck.

To Daily Star: you are so dishonest it’s beyond comprehension. I have met dishonest people, but you get the Gold. You actually want to compare what happened to Books@Cafe with what’s happening in Iran? You are willing to commit a grand act of fabrication just because you were deprived of your beer at Books@cafe and you don’t want to drive to Grippe for a beer? I never had trouble with the nature of activities and preferences of clients who frequent Books@Cafe. But once you throw in the deception and the dishonesty, a profile of Books clients starts to emerge and it ain’t flattering.

To Daily Star: you are so dishonest it’s beyond comprehension. I have met dishonest people, but you get the Gold. You actually want to compare what happened to Books@Cafe with what’s happening in Iran? You are willing to commit a grand act of fabrication just because you were deprived of your beer at Books@cafe and you don’t want to drive to Grippe for a beer? I never had trouble with the nature of activities and preferences of clients who frequent Books@Cafe. But once you throw in the deception and the dishonesty, a profile of Books clients starts to emerge and it ain’t flattering.

Today, they close 60 establishments they don’t like for whatever reasons be it cultural or political. Later on, they close 50% of what remains. After that, they close 50% of what remains. And it goes on and on.

So maybe Books loyalists are right to escalate and to view this as endangering religious freedoms and personal freedoms and political freedoms and cultural freedoms. Maybe this has been ongoing for sometimes and only Madian Jazeera spoke up while others cowered and rolled with the punches.

may I me remind fellow readers of what one German said when the Nazis began their slow campaign of repression. Of course I am not comparing Jordan to Nazi Germany for that would be preposterous and completely unrealistic. I can’t even compare Jordan to Iran. But this German speaks to the gradualism of repression and how it can come after all of us if some of us are allowed to take the fall without the rest standing up and refusing to cower.

Pastor Martin Niemöller wrote:

First they came for the Communists, but I was not a communist so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out.

And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.

Like Books@cafe or not, this could be the stare of something far more sinister if permitted to grow unchecked.

Mr. Dajaaj

i would certanly advice you to open your eyes to the world and start respecting others if you want to improve yourself. (this isn’t personal) but all people who has been writing on this page for a couple of days now are mostly decent customers who are worried about a place they loved, or others who are RESPECTFULLY exchanging different ideas and thoughts, i think they all agree you are that (sort of peopel who are incredibly shallow, narcissistic, and clinically self-absorbed types). Otherwise you wouldn’t have been this DISRESPECTFULL to the owner and the place as well as its clients and workers !!!

PLEASE PEOPLE DISCUSS THE ISSUE IN A MORAL AND RESPECTFULL WAY …

Mr. Dajaaj

i would certanly advice you to open your eyes to the world and start respecting others if you want to improve yourself. (this isn’t personal) but all people who has been writing on this page for a couple of days now are mostly decent customers who are worried about a place they loved, or others who are RESPECTFULLY exchanging different ideas and thoughts, i think they all agree you are that (sort of peopel who are incredibly shallow, narcissistic, and clinically self-absorbed types). Otherwise you wouldn’t have been this DISRESPECTFULL to the owner and the place as well as its clients and workers !!!

PLEASE PEOPLE DISCUSS THE ISSUE IN A MORAL AND RESPECTFULL WAY …

to (The Daily Star – Beirout)..
i think what you are suggesting is a great idea, but then again if we come to think of it the other way around, the more public this beocomes, the more fought it will be by the official legal authorities so as not to prove themselves wrong.. I seriouslt think this matter should be camed down, and only be spoken about by the society and not be out in any official statment untill the place (and other places) are re-open… then one can talk freely

this is really big, but making it bigger will never make us big enough :!

books @ cafe is the best hang out in jordan if not in the middle east!! i travel alot and i never ever came across such a unique restaurant like books @ specially the view it has got.

median my friend you shouldn’t be surprised!! wellcome to the wasta country !!!!

we are going backward for sure!!!

and for those who are happy to see books @ closed because they think it’s a gay place! i say to them 7aram 3aleekom !! you dont choose to be gay in your life! it’s something you born with!! just try to be nice guys!

books @ cafe is the best hang out in jordan if not in the middle east!! i travel alot and i never ever came across such a unique restaurant like books @ specially the view it has got.

median my friend you shouldn’t be surprised!! wellcome to the wasta country !!!!

we are going backward for sure!!!

and for those who are happy to see books @ closed because they think it’s a gay place! i say to them 7aram 3aleekom !! you dont choose to be gay in your life! it’s something you born with!! just try to be nice guys!

To Toto:
I don’t think anybody is interested in fabrication, or even comparisons. But regional newspapers have an interest in reporting Ramadan closures regionwide, whether they occur in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Afghanistan — or Jordan.
And as for the suggestion that I have been deprived of a beer, you should note that alcoholic beverages are served openly year round here in Beirut, Lebanon.

median i am one voice with you. i will stand by the cause you represent, when are we the YOUTH gonna stand up for our rights? yes RIGHTS PEOPLE!!! NOT for alcohol, Not for any of the mis-understood issues mentioned here… but for the FREEDOME OF CHOICE!!!

RESPECT each other! if i chose not to drink i will not be around books or any of other places that have an open atmosphere and will stay inside my circle, at least for this month.
if i am a drinker and a ‘liberal’ person i will make sure i dont cause any disrespect to the society!

i do understand that jordan is governed by an islamic rule, yet it is becoming ever more globalized. there must be a balance, a compromise? a WIN-WIN situation?

RESPECT TO ALL… PLEASE LOVE ACCEPT AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER,

nothing justifies the way the police were direspectful and causing hatred and terrorr to books!! NOTHING! this righteous attitude will not make us go a step forward!! think!

after all books is a second home to many of us!!!! i love that place and i am sad that they had to go through something like that.

dont worry median, forgive the police they follow orders, and they might think that they are doing the right thing!! BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY TO COMMUNICATE!!!!

may this month bring us closer to each other!! and make us understand each other’s ways and views.

love and respect to all.

salam

median i am one voice with you. i will stand by the cause you represent, when are we the YOUTH gonna stand up for our rights? yes RIGHTS PEOPLE!!! NOT for alcohol, Not for any of the mis-understood issues mentioned here… but for the FREEDOME OF CHOICE!!!

RESPECT each other! if i chose not to drink i will not be around books or any of other places that have an open atmosphere and will stay inside my circle, at least for this month.
if i am a drinker and a ‘liberal’ person i will make sure i dont cause any disrespect to the society!

i do understand that jordan is governed by an islamic rule, yet it is becoming ever more globalized. there must be a balance, a compromise? a WIN-WIN situation?

RESPECT TO ALL… PLEASE LOVE ACCEPT AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER,

nothing justifies the way the police were direspectful and causing hatred and terrorr to books!! NOTHING! this righteous attitude will not make us go a step forward!! think!

after all books is a second home to many of us!!!! i love that place and i am sad that they had to go through something like that.

dont worry median, forgive the police they follow orders, and they might think that they are doing the right thing!! BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY TO COMMUNICATE!!!!

may this month bring us closer to each other!! and make us understand each other’s ways and views.

love and respect to all.

salam

Last year my girlfriend and I spent two or three great afternoons in Books@Cafe during Ramadan. We really liked the atmosphere and everything seemed so peaceful. I’m sorry to hear that it’s closed for now.

I wonder, will they close the bars and restaurants of the big American hotels in Amman and the restaurants down in Petra? I don’t think they have the courage.

My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our stay in Jordan and the people were very friendly. That books@cafe is closed makes me a bit sad. Hopefully you can open again after ramadan.

Best wishes,
Michiel
Amsterdam

basma: “when are we the YOUTH gonna stand up for our rights? yes RIGHTS PEOPLE!!! NOT for alcohol”

basma, I am so called YOUTH and I could care less for your selfish cause. I would rather stand up for the poor people of Jordan and the camps.

With all what has been said you are obviously impervious to any critique or feedback. Your narcissism has become legendary.

I can see Jordanians having this sort of conversation.

“He is so hopelessly shallow and self-absorbed he could have been born at Books@Cafe.”

Or “who is this jerk. he is is acting like a Books@Cafe ars***e.”

Madian, I am sorry. You have a worthy cause, but it seems to attract shallow, insular crowds, the sort that’s best kept in dark basements or at Books@Cafe, hence the need to keep Books open for grazing by those type. We don’t want those jerks roaming the streets of Jordan with their BMWs shouting FREEDOM!! DEMOCRACY!! every time they run low on Jack Daniels. Under such circumstances, it’s hard to predict how a poor Jordanian might react to such a spectacle.

basma: “when are we the YOUTH gonna stand up for our rights? yes RIGHTS PEOPLE!!! NOT for alcohol”

basma, I am so called YOUTH and I could care less for your selfish cause. I would rather stand up for the poor people of Jordan and the camps.

With all what has been said you are obviously impervious to any critique or feedback. Your narcissism has become legendary.

I can see Jordanians having this sort of conversation.

“He is so hopelessly shallow and self-absorbed he could have been born at Books@Cafe.”

Or “who is this jerk. he is is acting like a Books@Cafe ars***e.”

Madian, I am sorry. You have a worthy cause, but it seems to attract shallow, insular crowds, the sort that’s best kept in dark basements or at Books@Cafe, hence the need to keep Books open for grazing by those type. We don’t want those jerks roaming the streets of Jordan with their BMWs shouting FREEDOM!! DEMOCRACY!! every time they run low on Jack Daniels. Under such circumstances, it’s hard to predict how a poor Jordanian might react to such a spectacle.

let Rania now youtube this

Well, you do serve alcohol, and it is a Muslim community. So … what was it you were upset about again?

Will you not be happy until you ape the White Man in every last respect? Anyway, Happy Ramadan and once the month is over you can get back to your vigorous aping.

Well, you do serve alcohol, and it is a Muslim community. So … what was it you were upset about again?

Will you not be happy until you ape the White Man in every last respect? Anyway, Happy Ramadan and once the month is over you can get back to your vigorous aping.

I really can’t understand where are the gays in books?

What the hell are you talking about?
apparently some ppl here don’t even know where books is, they even never visited it and they just hared a rumor long time ago about that and they just keep talking about it …

even if there were gays at books that doesnt mean its a gay hangout. also if u really think its a gay hangout so what do you want here?

everyone is responsible for himself …

I really can’t understand how we reached this level of mind sickness here …

Irrelevant of my background, I speak from one human to another…
I honestly believe this page should have nothing to do with religion nor should it be associated with anger or hatred…

It is a very simple issue about the closing of a place that to many has become like a second home. Books@cafe is not only a cafe. To many, it is a safe haven where you can be yourself (however weird that may be) and be accepted…

I’m assuming that many of those who oppose this free haven has either never been there or is too intimidated to try it! I don’t blame you! We’ve all been programmed in our upbringing to FOLLOW and never lead… to imitate rather than create!

Come on guys, we as Jordanians have always been known to be the most hospitable. That entails ACCEPTING one another! Please just accept the idea of getting frustrated over the closing of our free-spirited space that gives us the chance to chill every once in a while with no judgement, boundaries or criticism… FOREIGNERS, EMBASSIES, TOURISTS, ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, DESIGNERS, FILM-MAKERS, etc…. ALL CHOOSE BOOKS@CAFE as their outlet! It all starts with the owner Madian and moves down to the smallest detail…

That’s all we’re saying….

Irrelevant of my background, I speak from one human to another…
I honestly believe this page should have nothing to do with religion nor should it be associated with anger or hatred…

It is a very simple issue about the closing of a place that to many has become like a second home. Books@cafe is not only a cafe. To many, it is a safe haven where you can be yourself (however weird that may be) and be accepted…

I’m assuming that many of those who oppose this free haven has either never been there or is too intimidated to try it! I don’t blame you! We’ve all been programmed in our upbringing to FOLLOW and never lead… to imitate rather than create!

Come on guys, we as Jordanians have always been known to be the most hospitable. That entails ACCEPTING one another! Please just accept the idea of getting frustrated over the closing of our free-spirited space that gives us the chance to chill every once in a while with no judgement, boundaries or criticism… FOREIGNERS, EMBASSIES, TOURISTS, ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, DESIGNERS, FILM-MAKERS, etc…. ALL CHOOSE BOOKS@CAFE as their outlet! It all starts with the owner Madian and moves down to the smallest detail…

That’s all we’re saying….

Dear Madian,

I would like to thank you for openning this subject because also my place the old irish was closed with the same lajneh and the same way, though I have a license to open in Ramadan and I got it years before anyone in jordan and also I was serving ppl at the place for almost 12 years in ramdan and without any problem. now its closed and I couldnt do anything about it.

please note that I am with you in any decision you want to do or any idea you think it would help.

if u want to contact me please do

samertwal@gmail.com

Sorry to hear that. Am sure with the news being diffused, it will re-open again.
However I have to agree with one of the commentators who said to the effect – use this opportunity to sack some of the waiters (they are slow, inneficient and rude) and change the chef, the food leaves to be desired / quality for value (overpriced.)

Sorry to hear that. Am sure with the news being diffused, it will re-open again.
However I have to agree with one of the commentators who said to the effect – use this opportunity to sack some of the waiters (they are slow, inneficient and rude) and change the chef, the food leaves to be desired / quality for value (overpriced.)

eh joseph, clearly you know nothing about proper debate, have you read all the comments here? we kinda realised, maybe 93 comments ago, that this fight is not a fight for alchohol! its for freedom of speech and to reject corruption. go help the poor man,we all do, and its a VERY worthy cause, But that does not mean we shove asside any other issue that is important! you can always “what about the poor” and blame the rich, but seriously thats not the way you deal with things. Maybe YOU should get out of your basement, and pay Books a visit..check out the shallow people who are always doing charities for cancer patients, and refugees in jerash! and supporting rising talents and artists in our community, where actually no place in this country gives a damn..just a reality check. dont be too hard on yourself, you should get out more often.

feeling sad for you.

Ibrahim: Everyone is responisble for their actions? to Me it seems you are super Gay. Since when being Gay is normal in Jordan? Since when our major right that we need to fight for is getting drunk in Ramadan? since when leaving Jordan and living outside because Alcahol is not available in public during Ramadan? Oh my god if this is the next generation that will lead Jordan then this is a reason for leaving it. God bless Jordan from people like you who made it a religion issue or government issue.

Admit it its been closed since its a gay hangout and its disgusting even the food is not good and the waiters are rude, gay and very very slow.

Ibrahim: Everyone is responisble for their actions? to Me it seems you are super Gay. Since when being Gay is normal in Jordan? Since when our major right that we need to fight for is getting drunk in Ramadan? since when leaving Jordan and living outside because Alcahol is not available in public during Ramadan? Oh my god if this is the next generation that will lead Jordan then this is a reason for leaving it. God bless Jordan from people like you who made it a religion issue or government issue.

Admit it its been closed since its a gay hangout and its disgusting even the food is not good and the waiters are rude, gay and very very slow.

This is truly disheartening. So many people are wailing away and missing the point entirely. If it is illegal to serve alcohol during Ramadan, then let’s not give out permissions. If we give out permissions, then let’s not barge into a place and close it down on false pretenses based on our own personal crusades.

Whether you believe that Books@ should be open during Ramadan or not, the necessary parties in the government decided it would be fine. They decided, and I agree, that we are adults who can make our decisions, and that we our hands don’t have to be held as we navigate through personal senses of morality. If I fast, I will not eat. If this means that I don’t want to be around someone eating, I will not go to Books@Cafe during Ramadan. Nor will I go if I am uncomfortable around people drinking during the month. But personally, why should their drinking affect me? How does it make me less pious? On the contrary, what is piety without temptation, if people drinking around someone who has made the decision not to can even be considered temptation? And if someone wants to make the argument that serving alcohol should be banned and that his or her own beliefs should be imposed on everyone else because they represent the righteous path, then make your argument to the government. The people in this forum who disagree with you did not write the law – they only wish that it would be carried out in practice as it was written on paper.

No one in this forum is purposefully bashing Islam. Understand that. Why are we so quick to be so defensive? Yes, there is a sense of a global anti-Muslim sentiment, but how does it help when we are up in arms about anyone not following suit? The majority of Jordan is Muslim, and supposedly the majority of Jordanians fast. But not everyone. There are some non-Jordanians, there are some Jordanians who are non-Muslims, and there are some Muslims who do not fast. We want to accomodate our tourists, because it is a large asset to Jordan’s economy. We want to not say that we are going to tell you the right path, because that is up to each person to decide. Who are we to judge? What one does is between that person and God and no one else. And again, if we want to say, ‘we respect your differences, but this is our religion and our culture, so please give us the respect and abstain from alcohol just for these 30 or so days,’ then fair enough. But we didn’t. We said, ‘go ahead – the majority of us are Muslims, but we’re an open-minded society.’ And then we proved that some of those in power are, and some are not. Just like a number of people in this forum. I cannot reiterate enough – this is not about Islam vs Christianity or secularism or the Jews or the homosexuals or anyone else. It is about certain practicioners of the law taking the law into their own hands.

Heba, Samar and Tamer, I salute you and your objective responses (I apologize as I’m sure there are others, but I ceased to see the point in reading all of the posts).

MUST READ:

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=10897

by Jordan Times, bublished 22nd, Sep.

MUST READ:

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=10897

by Jordan Times, bublished 22nd, Sep.

MUST READ:

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=10897

by Jordan Times, Published 22nd, Sep.

(sorry for the mistake :!)

I’d like to say am shocked but i’m not!!!

Good Luck Median X

I’d like to say am shocked but i’m not!!!

Good Luck Median X

Newspapers, blogs and Books@Café – Nermeen Murad http://jordantimes.com/?news=10893

well, honestly am not surprised at all,our country is becoming like a step-mother who hates to see the kids HAPPY! It’s not a religious, ethical or a cockroaches matter, it’s hatred! so it’s simple.

I say, do some research for some GOOD GUY up there (the higher you reach the better it is)and tell your story with the legal papers you have, and you’ll find yourself serving that yummy chicken with bbq i adore! I’m not that proud of what am saying, but unfortunately, this is the policy!

Wish you all the luck Madian, I love the place, it’s atmosphere, service, food, you managers and friends, you are doing a great job in there don’t let it go that easy.

See you at Books@Cafe SOON

well, honestly am not surprised at all,our country is becoming like a step-mother who hates to see the kids HAPPY! It’s not a religious, ethical or a cockroaches matter, it’s hatred! so it’s simple.

I say, do some research for some GOOD GUY up there (the higher you reach the better it is)and tell your story with the legal papers you have, and you’ll find yourself serving that yummy chicken with bbq i adore! I’m not that proud of what am saying, but unfortunately, this is the policy!

Wish you all the luck Madian, I love the place, it’s atmosphere, service, food, you managers and friends, you are doing a great job in there don’t let it go that easy.

See you at Books@Cafe SOON

Joseph:

i am talking about freedome of choice, i am not defending alcohol, you must understand my point…

i am defending freedome of choice, between what IF i dont want to fast and want to drink? what IF?

freedome of choice is what im talking about not alcohol, im sorry you saw my comment as narssissit! i didnt see it that way, maybe you have point, but consider mine first….

i am free to choose… i am a muslim i choose to fast, and choose to resisit all temptations… i am a muslim and i choose not to fast because this is my personal prefreneces i would appreciate the chance for me to display my freedome OF CHOICE…

i hope you get it.

With interest I have read the news article in the Jordan Times and been steered by a colleague to this Forum.
Frankly it is merely the thin end of the wedge… It is not merely about the flouting of laws/given licenses etc. I have lived in Jordan since the early 80’s. I have seen many changes some for the good, some not so good. But overall there was hope….that it was moving towards a better future, more open Government, more enlightened and more freedom within the laws for business growth for all and not just the “select few”. Cronyism and nepotism were perhaps in the past??….. After all such business growth should bring prosperity to all Jordanians. But alas it seems the old ways die hard.

I agree with several other commentators. The closure of this and other restaurants, cafes, although on the surface seems to be for a variety of reasons; alcohol, debauchery (?), homophobia, BUT it is more probably to do with envy. Yes envy that this entrepreneur has been successful and without Wasta, without the “silent” partner, with any kickbacks and pay-offs???. Amazing!!!
But all good things come to an end, so I am sure there is some person waiting around the corner who will offer to “help” ……. for a small share of the business.
I have seen similar, so called business practices, some carried out on the quiet, a word here or there, some other quite blatant and open.. No share given in the business.. Then no success.. And stumbling blocks placed in the way of the entrepreneur until he gives up…
Yes it is all about Power and Corruption…

Whenever a “small/private” business is successful, someone will try to muscle in on the action.. This also includes the Government and its various departments. Why has the USA been successful? Because it gives entrepreneurs the chance to breathe and act and either make a success or fail, but all within the correct laws, licenses, regulations etc.. Here the law changes by the day.. or rather to be more precise, the interpretation of the law by government officials changes “daily”. Then, there are certain government cohorts who “delight” in descending on the entrepreneur, to look for ways to impede their business operations. One can spend months running in circles. Where one has to employ a person whose sole job is to “deal with Government departments”.. the Fixer. One has to wonder how these Government employees would survive in a Free Business Market. If they had actually “to work for their living”. They would fail.. they have no vision, no courage. Human kind has evolved by success of The Risk Takers. Left to these officials, human kind would have fallen long ago.
No these persons cannot achieve “power” through their own efforts and skills. They are used to safe jobs, protected jobs and collecting a salary for sitting behind a desk. They can only achieve “power” by subverting the laws of the land to their own needs. Unfortunately, history has witnessed too many of these petty officials, these paper pushers achieving power and financial rewards at the expense of others. In biological terms they are parasites.
So it is not about Religion, or Alcohol or Homophobia.. these are merely excuses used by power hungry officials to subvert the laws and given licenses for their own inflated ego and perhaps for the benefit of a business competitor of Books@Cafe or a third party wishing to cash in on this entrepreneurs hard work with an offer of “help, or a word in the right ear” for share of the business.

With interest I have read the news article in the Jordan Times and been steered by a colleague to this Forum.
Frankly it is merely the thin end of the wedge… It is not merely about the flouting of laws/given licenses etc. I have lived in Jordan since the early 80’s. I have seen many changes some for the good, some not so good. But overall there was hope….that it was moving towards a better future, more open Government, more enlightened and more freedom within the laws for business growth for all and not just the “select few”. Cronyism and nepotism were perhaps in the past??….. After all such business growth should bring prosperity to all Jordanians. But alas it seems the old ways die hard.

I agree with several other commentators. The closure of this and other restaurants, cafes, although on the surface seems to be for a variety of reasons; alcohol, debauchery (?), homophobia, BUT it is more probably to do with envy. Yes envy that this entrepreneur has been successful and without Wasta, without the “silent” partner, with any kickbacks and pay-offs???. Amazing!!!
But all good things come to an end, so I am sure there is some person waiting around the corner who will offer to “help” ……. for a small share of the business.
I have seen similar, so called business practices, some carried out on the quiet, a word here or there, some other quite blatant and open.. No share given in the business.. Then no success.. And stumbling blocks placed in the way of the entrepreneur until he gives up…
Yes it is all about Power and Corruption…

Whenever a “small/private” business is successful, someone will try to muscle in on the action.. This also includes the Government and its various departments. Why has the USA been successful? Because it gives entrepreneurs the chance to breathe and act and either make a success or fail, but all within the correct laws, licenses, regulations etc.. Here the law changes by the day.. or rather to be more precise, the interpretation of the law by government officials changes “daily”. Then, there are certain government cohorts who “delight” in descending on the entrepreneur, to look for ways to impede their business operations. One can spend months running in circles. Where one has to employ a person whose sole job is to “deal with Government departments”.. the Fixer. One has to wonder how these Government employees would survive in a Free Business Market. If they had actually “to work for their living”. They would fail.. they have no vision, no courage. Human kind has evolved by success of The Risk Takers. Left to these officials, human kind would have fallen long ago.
No these persons cannot achieve “power” through their own efforts and skills. They are used to safe jobs, protected jobs and collecting a salary for sitting behind a desk. They can only achieve “power” by subverting the laws of the land to their own needs. Unfortunately, history has witnessed too many of these petty officials, these paper pushers achieving power and financial rewards at the expense of others. In biological terms they are parasites.
So it is not about Religion, or Alcohol or Homophobia.. these are merely excuses used by power hungry officials to subvert the laws and given licenses for their own inflated ego and perhaps for the benefit of a business competitor of Books@Cafe or a third party wishing to cash in on this entrepreneurs hard work with an offer of “help, or a word in the right ear” for share of the business.

I’m totally speachless …

I seriously cannot find the words to describe the seriousness of what has happened! Suddenly lying & cheating & swindling are acceptable methods to be used to uphold the principles of this Holy Month!!!???

I’m sure the guy who stormed in & made up these lies & false accusations went to sleep that night thinking “I really showed them!” … well I expect it doesn’t stop there not by a long shot. From Madian’s article at the top, it is clear that laws were broken & legal permits were disregarded. I believe that this is the issue of conscern here above all else.

Madian thank you for voicing the facts about what happened. I’m with u & so are many many others … I urge everyone who loves Books@Cafe for all its unbias mutually respectful atmosphere to continue to make their voices heard.

I’ve read almost all the comments & I agree that this is not about alcohol since there are much bigger problems in our society that r getting the favourable blind-eye & it makes me sick to say that.

Books@Cafe is a multicultural establishment that is built opon mutual respect & the right to be. If u want respect you have to give respect first!

This action makes it perfectly clear what some Muslims think of Non-Muslims. This happens everywhere Islam dominates and it is getting worse.

Non-Muslims in Islamic societies have fewer rights each passing day. They must respect Islam, but Islam doesn’t have to respect them.

This is why Muslims cannot be trusted. Yes, there are a few that speak up for non-Muslims (see comments above), but not enough to make a difference.

Yes, I am speaking ill of Islam and Muslims. Why not? Why must we all pretend that Muslims and Islam are separate? Why should Muslims not be accountable for things done in the name of Islam in Islamic socities?

When Muslim societies begin treating their religious and ethnic minorites with respect and equality, then I will reconsider my opinion.

I think that is fair. Until then, I see no reason to respect a religion that does not respect others? Or, in other words, why should anybody respect a religion that believes it has a right to impose its morality (or lack thereof) on others?

Kactuz

PS: Please save your comments about this not being representative of the “real” Islam or “true” Muslims. I can’t tell the difference.

This action makes it perfectly clear what some Muslims think of Non-Muslims. This happens everywhere Islam dominates and it is getting worse.

Non-Muslims in Islamic societies have fewer rights each passing day. They must respect Islam, but Islam doesn’t have to respect them.

This is why Muslims cannot be trusted. Yes, there are a few that speak up for non-Muslims (see comments above), but not enough to make a difference.

Yes, I am speaking ill of Islam and Muslims. Why not? Why must we all pretend that Muslims and Islam are separate? Why should Muslims not be accountable for things done in the name of Islam in Islamic socities?

When Muslim societies begin treating their religious and ethnic minorites with respect and equality, then I will reconsider my opinion.

I think that is fair. Until then, I see no reason to respect a religion that does not respect others? Or, in other words, why should anybody respect a religion that believes it has a right to impose its morality (or lack thereof) on others?

Kactuz

PS: Please save your comments about this not being representative of the “real” Islam or “true” Muslims. I can’t tell the difference.

Oh my God Oh My God!! Books is closed!! Oh what the hell are we gonna do for THE REST OF THE MONTH!!

seriously ppl, don’t you have more important issues to care about? inflation, poverty, human rights..none of those matter to u??!

TO all you new people in this country, Those who have appeared (popped up) in The PAST 10 or 15 years (you know your selves.) Amman has always been respectful and tolerating of other religions and cultures but when the Holly MONTH of RAMADAN would grace it with its presence; Jordan would refrain and abide by the rules of the country’s religious beliefs. Meaning serving alcohol in places was forbidden and all the Night Clubs and (Nawadee Layleeyeh) would close or turn in to a Ramadan Tent and serve in compliance with the Holly Month . People would respect them selves and do what they do in their own personal spaces, homes or farms. Please do not Forget however “modern” we try to become. Jordan is and will always remain an ISLAMIC country.

Ps. I do understand the Hypocrisy in the situation and the Mismanagement of certain governing organisations. But everyone and in particular Muslims should respect the religious beliefs of the people and country. LONG LIVE A PROSPEROUS JORDAN….

TO all you new people in this country, Those who have appeared (popped up) in The PAST 10 or 15 years (you know your selves.) Amman has always been respectful and tolerating of other religions and cultures but when the Holly MONTH of RAMADAN would grace it with its presence; Jordan would refrain and abide by the rules of the country’s religious beliefs. Meaning serving alcohol in places was forbidden and all the Night Clubs and (Nawadee Layleeyeh) would close or turn in to a Ramadan Tent and serve in compliance with the Holly Month . People would respect them selves and do what they do in their own personal spaces, homes or farms. Please do not Forget however “modern” we try to become. Jordan is and will always remain an ISLAMIC country.

Ps. I do understand the Hypocrisy in the situation and the Mismanagement of certain governing organisations. But everyone and in particular Muslims should respect the religious beliefs of the people and country. LONG LIVE A PROSPEROUS JORDAN….

I tend to agree with Observateur.

This has turned to a totally different subject. I would like to say that I just had a couple of drinks in a (not 5 stars) bar in Amman. Which means that Books@ was targeted as such, maybe along with other places.

It is a shame to close down the place if this is the result of forgery of evidence. Unforgivable.

But people… You have got to chill. GOD!!! So much hatred hidden.

It’s as if everybody was just looking for the chance to express their grudges. Let’s be constructive.

I am shocked! Jordanians unite! (I am not Jordanian but if it helps, I like Jordan)

Cheers

I peg all the Rejecters of opening such places to be cautious.. and take into consideration the Psychological and Social situation of the Books@café’s customers, and its Narrow-minded Fanatical fans.

Taking about rashwa.Do you remember when you started Books@Cafe how much you payed Rashwa to the Munucipilty to let you open in a residental area ,disturbing all around.You are corrupt people from the beginning,so go away with your nasty place and let there be calm.I hope that no licence will be given to you.

Taking about rashwa.Do you remember when you started Books@Cafe how much you payed Rashwa to the Munucipilty to let you open in a residental area ,disturbing all around.You are corrupt people from the beginning,so go away with your nasty place and let there be calm.I hope that no licence will be given to you.

if there were witnesses on the ministry representative, you can simply …. sue him!

I guess that’s the right thing to do! regardless of the place/alcohol serving/ramdan issue!

He has to be sued! in short!

sorry bas this is not the land of omar ben el khattab or whoever aziz mentioned,
christians have always been here, and jesus is from here, fa how u say its urs i dont know,
go take mecca and saudia arabia its yours and all the dashadeesh nations kolha elkom
bas christians here are 2000 year christians, no appreciates that or even think of it this way, bas to be a christian in such a violent environment with a violent history shattered by religious wars for 2000 is an accomplishment, fa dont u dare saying its the land of omar, nope mecca and saudia arabia and hejaz is the land of whoever, bas jerusalem amman palestine jordan lebanon and syria is christian ok?
our 2000 year old chruches speak for them selves, the holy river of jordan where jesus was baptized speaks for itself, nazareth where jesus was born, el qiyameh wel mahd, eish ur OVER LOOKING them, how rude and inconciderate of you to just ignore all these christian things, how can u say that a place like palestine and jordan the birth place of jesus and christianity is muslim man,,,

NO ITS NOT

and all the things about drinking in ramadan, its the concept of what ur government did not drinking,,

l2no law it was about the religion khaleehom yesakroo byoot el da33arraaa eli fat7eenha bel rabyeh ou sweleh ishee discusting

To all the ppl who are happy about closing down Books:

NON of u even tried to make a comment about your corrupt government! For one second forget the alcohol, and think about a country that can plant evidence or fabricate lies to close down your business!! stop being so narrow minded!

This issue is as imporatnt as poverty, you are being deprived of your freedom of choice. freedom of choice does not mean the freedom to drink and party!wow, please get educated, it means your freedom to make a choice, to pray or not pray, to get married or not, to own a business or not…. etc

So stop with your selfish comments and argue about the real issue here.

Median, its about time, someone stood up, thank you. I’m with you all the way.

sorry bas this is not the land of omar ben el khattab or whoever aziz mentioned,
christians have always been here, and jesus is from here, fa how u say its urs i dont know,
go take mecca and saudia arabia its yours and all the dashadeesh nations kolha elkom
bas christians here are 2000 year christians, no appreciates that or even think of it this way, bas to be a christian in such a violent environment with a violent history shattered by religious wars for 2000 is an accomplishment, fa dont u dare saying its the land of omar, nope mecca and saudia arabia and hejaz is the land of whoever, bas jerusalem amman palestine jordan lebanon and syria is christian ok?
our 2000 year old chruches speak for them selves, the holy river of jordan where jesus was baptized speaks for itself, nazareth where jesus was born, el qiyameh wel mahd, eish ur OVER LOOKING them, how rude and inconciderate of you to just ignore all these christian things, how can u say that a place like palestine and jordan the birth place of jesus and christianity is muslim man,,,

NO ITS NOT

and all the things about drinking in ramadan, its the concept of what ur government did not drinking,,

l2no law it was about the religion khaleehom yesakroo byoot el da33arraaa eli fat7eenha bel rabyeh ou sweleh ishee discusting

People, you’re all missing out the main point, as someone just mentiuoned.. this isn’t a matter of alcohol, nor homophobia, nor respect to ramadan, nor even religous values..

this is all about a governmental instituition setting laws and rules, and giving liscences then simply for changing their mind, they think they have the right to CORRUPT bussinesses and lifes..

In reply to Luay:

“Amman has always been respectful and tolerating of other religions and cultures but when the Holly MONTH of RAMADAN would grace it with its presence…”

Sorry but do you consider replacement of a night-club or a (nadi laylee) by a ramadan tent with a belly dancer and people playing cards and having argeleh, and watching “bab el-7ara”.. in any way possible, is this RELIGIOUS ?!

“People would respect them selves and do what they do in their own personal spaces, homes or farms.”.. Please tell your government not to give any liscence to any activity they don’t really want to see happening..

I say this is really a BLACK POINT in jordan’s history on the map of tourism and bussiness.. as well as on the scale of RESPECT of LAWS (ones they made)..

People, you’re all missing out the main point, as someone just mentiuoned.. this isn’t a matter of alcohol, nor homophobia, nor respect to ramadan, nor even religous values..

this is all about a governmental instituition setting laws and rules, and giving liscences then simply for changing their mind, they think they have the right to CORRUPT bussinesses and lifes..

In reply to Luay:

“Amman has always been respectful and tolerating of other religions and cultures but when the Holly MONTH of RAMADAN would grace it with its presence…”

Sorry but do you consider replacement of a night-club or a (nadi laylee) by a ramadan tent with a belly dancer and people playing cards and having argeleh, and watching “bab el-7ara”.. in any way possible, is this RELIGIOUS ?!

“People would respect them selves and do what they do in their own personal spaces, homes or farms.”.. Please tell your government not to give any liscence to any activity they don’t really want to see happening..

I say this is really a BLACK POINT in jordan’s history on the map of tourism and bussiness.. as well as on the scale of RESPECT of LAWS (ones they made)..

thankyou MICHEL. youre the only one who got my point… its about the government abuse of power

there are many people who support your cause, stay brave

there are many people who support your cause, stay brave

In 2005 I met Mr. Kareem Kawar in NY while he was our embassador to the US. Mr. Kawar said that Jordan needs its young professionals back. Our young should not wasste their talents else where and that our king is working hard on reforms in the country.
I moved back to Amman in March 2007 and was rather proud of the changes; thus I decided to stay here.
When this issue of closing institutions took place, I was more than shocked as it shows how we are more willing to move backwards than forward. As someone mentioned earlier, you want to pray and fast, please do it but do not impose it on others.
Our government should hire qualified people not ones filled with hate and anger that blinds them. Closing so many establishments does not hurt just one or two owners, it hurts families and the economy as well as tourisim.
We finally have tourists here who love our country and brag about their experiences here. Books @ Cafe is one of the best places for them to meet NORMAL locals and learn our issues. So by closing this wonderfull cafe, we have hurt so many families who earn a living by working there as well as hurting a fragile economy.
Another issue that no one has even mentioned, Books. If the corrupt people want to close the cafe, why close a book store?
We all need to stand as one and make our voices clear. We need to fight such hatred and rage and open peoples eyes and minds.
Madian, you are one of the best assets this country has, we are all behind you.

ME, true the Levant is Christian for about 2000 years. But it’s Semitic and inseparably Arab for much longer than that. Islam and Christianity and Judaism did not discover or invent the Levant. WE were hear long before the three religions. The Nabeteans, the Arab builder of Perta existed before Christianity. And all evidence suggest there were Deshdasha wearing people, as you call them. But there is no archeological proof that adherents of any of the other religions were wearing Jeans and pinstripe suits either.

thanks for the diversion, ME.

ME, true the Levant is Christian for about 2000 years. But it’s Semitic and inseparably Arab for much longer than that. Islam and Christianity and Judaism did not discover or invent the Levant. WE were hear long before the three religions. The Nabeteans, the Arab builder of Perta existed before Christianity. And all evidence suggest there were Deshdasha wearing people, as you call them. But there is no archeological proof that adherents of any of the other religions were wearing Jeans and pinstripe suits either.

thanks for the diversion, ME.

take a look at the last passage here: http://alghad.jo/index.php?speical_section=81&news=362649

interesting ha?

I do not agree with serving alcohol in Ramadan or in other times, but I must agree that if a restaurant or bar has been sanctioned by the government, then the government should stand by its own rules. There is a problem in this country of one part of the government not knowing what another part is doing. There is a lot of corruption. I think you should document everything that happens to you and stand up for your rights which you had been sanctioned to inact. I want to think there is some hope that Jordan can climb out of the dark ages someday. Allah knows best.

I do not agree with serving alcohol in Ramadan or in other times, but I must agree that if a restaurant or bar has been sanctioned by the government, then the government should stand by its own rules. There is a problem in this country of one part of the government not knowing what another part is doing. There is a lot of corruption. I think you should document everything that happens to you and stand up for your rights which you had been sanctioned to inact. I want to think there is some hope that Jordan can climb out of the dark ages someday. Allah knows best.

we need a “next page” on this blog

This is really outrageous! I can’t believe what I’ve just read. This is nothing but a fundamentalist stance away from all notions of tolerance, openness and above all, respect for one’s personal beliefs and freedom of thought and expression. I can’t find the words to describe how disappointed I am.
I think you should be waging a public campaign. I think that’s the only way you can stir those who support you to do something about it. If it doesn’t stop at this, well…. I don’t even want to know what steps would come next…

Good Luck! I’ve always loved your place and hope that your business will be back and running soon.

This is really outrageous! I can’t believe what I’ve just read. This is nothing but a fundamentalist stance away from all notions of tolerance, openness and above all, respect for one’s personal beliefs and freedom of thought and expression. I can’t find the words to describe how disappointed I am.
I think you should be waging a public campaign. I think that’s the only way you can stir those who support you to do something about it. If it doesn’t stop at this, well…. I don’t even want to know what steps would come next…

Good Luck! I’ve always loved your place and hope that your business will be back and running soon.

I am really not a big fan of Books@cafe, but my problem really is not with them serving alcohol. The main issue I have is actually their stoned looking servers who do not seem to know the difference between a screw driver and a Bloody Mary:). That being said, their terrace is gorgeous and with proper training, they can have better servers.

Most of the people here seem to think it is alright to to serve alcohol, and I tend to agree with them. I think it is fundamentally hypocritical to drink all through the year, but abstain during the holly month of Ramadan. That being said, I come from a liberal background, and I have spent the largest part of my life in the West.

If anything is worth protesting here, it is the 300% alcohol tax that is making a drink in Amman more expensive that New York City.

The majority of people in this country “Jordan” are practicing Muslims “with various degrees of sincerity and faith”. I think part of being tolerant is also understanding and appreciating the other side and their views. I think people who drink “myself included” should be sensitive to the majority around us.

I think government regulation is a world wide disaster; the more governments interfere, the more damage happens. The same sort of government regulation and intervention is killing global economy “US real estate market and the 700B$ “rescue” plan is a good example”.

7iber.com is a great place to exchange opinions, but I would really try and target issues like poverty, lack of functioning public transportation, unemployment, the occupation of Arab and Muslim countries such as Palestine and Kashmir and a multitude of important issues rocking our country, region and the globe

Thanks

BMO

I am afraid Books@Cafe loyalists don’t have a case. the government says there are health code violations. they saw roaches. true you are free to eat roaches, but it’s not legal to make unsuspecting clients eat roach infested foodstuff.

in hindsight and armed with the recent knowledge that Books loyalists (probably 1 guy with a laptop) are capable of laying without blinking, I am tempted to believe the government story, that inspectors did find enough violations to close Books@Cafe.

Let’s take this case apart.

FACT: Books@Cafe has not been targeted alone. Had Books been targeted alone, we may have suspected foul play and selective enforcement of the law. But there are about two dozen other cafes that have been shut.

FACT: This is not about banning alcohol. there are a few dozen hangouts open in Ramadan in Amma serving alcohol during Ramadan. So again, the religion argument just does not hold water, despite Books loyalists efforts to twist this into a a religious intolerance cause.

But what’s happening is that Books@Cafe loyalists want exemptions and preferential treatment. That’s as immoral and illegal as selective enforcement of the law. You let roaches into your kitchen, you don’t deserve to serve food.

I am afraid Books@Cafe loyalists don’t have a case. the government says there are health code violations. they saw roaches. true you are free to eat roaches, but it’s not legal to make unsuspecting clients eat roach infested foodstuff.

in hindsight and armed with the recent knowledge that Books loyalists (probably 1 guy with a laptop) are capable of laying without blinking, I am tempted to believe the government story, that inspectors did find enough violations to close Books@Cafe.

Let’s take this case apart.

FACT: Books@Cafe has not been targeted alone. Had Books been targeted alone, we may have suspected foul play and selective enforcement of the law. But there are about two dozen other cafes that have been shut.

FACT: This is not about banning alcohol. there are a few dozen hangouts open in Ramadan in Amma serving alcohol during Ramadan. So again, the religion argument just does not hold water, despite Books loyalists efforts to twist this into a a religious intolerance cause.

But what’s happening is that Books@Cafe loyalists want exemptions and preferential treatment. That’s as immoral and illegal as selective enforcement of the law. You let roaches into your kitchen, you don’t deserve to serve food.

Im finding this idea of ‘tolerance’ troubling. tolerance is basically the notion that even if you dont like something you must not act against it. this sounds really pretty, but i think it has a dark side. it means that society comes to a standstill because everything gets swept under the rug of relativism.
and i think this whole idea that this is a social problem is ludicrous.
jordan is a country led by an unelected KING—
ya’ni you want social progressivism and “laws”–just ask the king to pass one of his royal decrees. He seems to do that pretty regularly!

Well, drinking is a sin in all religions, homosexuality too. So why bother debating this unless you are a stubborn Median. You deserve what you got. These acts needed to be stopped on the holly month.

Well, drinking is a sin in all religions, homosexuality too. So why bother debating this unless you are a stubborn Median. You deserve what you got. These acts needed to be stopped on the holly month.

Hi Habibi,

I just heard what happened (way out of the loop, I know). I am sorry to hear they closed you guys down. If there is anything I can do, you know I will. How can we get in touch??

What do you expect from ignorant people? Yes, this is total hypocrisy, pretending to be this or that, to be religious / following ALLAH’s

I think those committee members are sick, like many people here in the Kingdom, as they want to force every one to follow their own believes and traditions.

It’s a free country, every citizen should have and must have the right to practice his /her own believes and customs, as long as it does not go over the red line.

I mean, when will the government put an end to those fanatics.
I know some people myself /some distant friends, who drink alcohol the entire year, then decide to become “decent” and religious in Ramadan, and after Ramadan they resume “AL 3ARBADAH”, after their sins are wiped out again by ALLAH, and they go back to drinking all year, then next Ramadan they turn into saints for 30 days..

I mean, come on you people!!!! when will this nonsense stop !!!
Religion is something personal, and not to be forced on others, especially when those who pretend to be religious are them selves the biggest sinners and hypercritics ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.

What do you expect from ignorant people? Yes, this is total hypocrisy, pretending to be this or that, to be religious / following ALLAH’s

I think those committee members are sick, like many people here in the Kingdom, as they want to force every one to follow their own believes and traditions.

It’s a free country, every citizen should have and must have the right to practice his /her own believes and customs, as long as it does not go over the red line.

I mean, when will the government put an end to those fanatics.
I know some people myself /some distant friends, who drink alcohol the entire year, then decide to become “decent” and religious in Ramadan, and after Ramadan they resume “AL 3ARBADAH”, after their sins are wiped out again by ALLAH, and they go back to drinking all year, then next Ramadan they turn into saints for 30 days..

I mean, come on you people!!!! when will this nonsense stop !!!
Religion is something personal, and not to be forced on others, especially when those who pretend to be religious are them selves the biggest sinners and hypercritics ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.

Dear Madian,

We are sorry that you have run into such trouble. We remember the fun we had visiting your cafe several years ago; what a great place it was! We hope that you are able to reopen shortly.

Best,
David and Mary

Nobody said it better than Ziad Rahbani!

انا مش كافر
بس الجوع كافر
انا مش كافر
بس المرض كافر
انا مش كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
انا مش كافر
بس الجوع
انا مش كافر
بس المرض كافر
انا مش كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
يللي بصللي الاحد
يللي بصللي الجمعة
وقاعد يفلح فينا
على طول الجمعة
يللي بصللي الاحد
يللي بصللي الجمعة
وقاعد يفلح فينا
على طول الجمعة
هو يللي دين قال
وأنا يللي كافر عال
راجعوا الكتب السمويي
راجعوا كلام القادر
انا مش كافر
بس الجوع كافر
بس المرض كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
انا مش كافر
بس البلد كافر
أنا مقبور ببيتي
مش قادر هاجر
وعم تاكللي الامي بتمي
وأكلك قدامك يا عمي
وإذا بكفر بتإللي كافر
معمع الدول الغربية
ومبلغ بكل المخافر
انا مش كافر
هيدا انت الكافر
انا مش كافر
ما دام انت الكافر
انا مش كافر
قلنا مين الكافر
وعرفوا مين الكافر
انا مش كافر
مثل ما عم قللك
عم بتحط فيي
كونك شيخ الكافرين
…
قول أمين

Nobody said it better than Ziad Rahbani!

انا مش كافر
بس الجوع كافر
انا مش كافر
بس المرض كافر
انا مش كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
انا مش كافر
بس الجوع
انا مش كافر
بس المرض كافر
انا مش كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
يللي بصللي الاحد
يللي بصللي الجمعة
وقاعد يفلح فينا
على طول الجمعة
يللي بصللي الاحد
يللي بصللي الجمعة
وقاعد يفلح فينا
على طول الجمعة
هو يللي دين قال
وأنا يللي كافر عال
راجعوا الكتب السمويي
راجعوا كلام القادر
انا مش كافر
بس الجوع كافر
بس المرض كافر
بس الفقر كافر
والزل كافر
انا مش كافر
لكن شو بعملك
إذا اجتمعوا فيي
كل الاشيا الكافرين
انا مش كافر
بس البلد كافر
أنا مقبور ببيتي
مش قادر هاجر
وعم تاكللي الامي بتمي
وأكلك قدامك يا عمي
وإذا بكفر بتإللي كافر
معمع الدول الغربية
ومبلغ بكل المخافر
انا مش كافر
هيدا انت الكافر
انا مش كافر
ما دام انت الكافر
انا مش كافر
قلنا مين الكافر
وعرفوا مين الكافر
انا مش كافر
مثل ما عم قللك
عم بتحط فيي
كونك شيخ الكافرين
…
قول أمين

انا سراب ياسين الكلام المكتوب باللغه الانجليزيه بإسم سراب لس لي علاقه به لا من قريب ولا من بعيد والكلام ملقف بإسمي انا مع احترامي للجميع
وكل احترامي لمدين
سرااااااااااااااااب ياسين

To all people & Median
I would like to make things clear to all people, what is written in the name Saraab ( is NOT MINE ) I have nothing to do with it, that person who wrote it is Coward cannot face people with his real name so he used my name,
i have my doubts if he is Jordanian, However I wanna show my support to Median & that I have nothing to conceal and this conspiracy has to end soon and it will end cause truth prevails…
Regards
Sarab Yasin

To all people & Median
I would like to make things clear to all people, what is written in the name Saraab ( is NOT MINE ) I have nothing to do with it, that person who wrote it is Coward cannot face people with his real name so he used my name,
i have my doubts if he is Jordanian, However I wanna show my support to Median & that I have nothing to conceal and this conspiracy has to end soon and it will end cause truth prevails…
Regards
Sarab Yasin

This is a short documentary film about the subject:
“closed for maintenance” http://ikbis.com/Ibrahim/shot/134769

This place should have been closed long time ago. Every body knows why. It is a place for gays and lesbians.

I hate this place

This place should have been closed long time ago. Every body knows why. It is a place for gays and lesbians.

I hate this place

I recently travelled in Jordan for a few weeks and loved the country and its people. I went to the cafe in question and found the food excellent and the service pretty good. What I don’t understand is this need to impose a ban on alcohol on everyone – I come from a country which is officially Christian (the UK)but we don’t force Muslims to celebrate Christmas. I worked in Morocco for a while and during Ramadan was approached in a supermarket several times by Moroccans wanting me to buy booze for them. Obviously Muslims do drink, even during Ramadan, but in some Arab countries it seems that everyone is supposed to collude in the fiction that their country is dry.

I’m really shocked with these backward actions…
the place was so nice, I used to hang out there..
very sad

I’m really shocked with these backward actions…
the place was so nice, I used to hang out there..
very sad

Evidently some people who have their brain intact in this post realized that the issue is not whether to serve alcohol/food in Ramadan or not.

The issue is that Jordan is a country governed by law (last time I checked), if the government/legislators that issue those laws do not respect them that does not bode well, it means that these laws are a farcical and not worth the paper/seal they are printed on/with.

And no other issue is more important for Jordan, not democracy, not poverty and not Gaza! If you don’t have a proper legal framework to protect you from haphazard rules then you are not living in a proper country, you sir are living in a jungle and in a jungle the weak are stepped upon. That is not the basis of a social community that wants to prosper, or survive.

The decision to close down Books@cafe is “Arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable”, at least that is the legal term in law governed countries. Any court of law should overturn the ruling of that committee and the people in charge of that ruling should be liable for their actions.

Good luck, hope all works out fine, I wish I could you help in anyway, I will pass by Books@Cafe more often once it reopens.

Cheers!

I’m Surprised they close restaurants in Jordan. I Don’t know if it’s fair that they force them to close, but why don’t the restaurant owners have some respect and volunteer to close during the month of Ramadan. Just to have some respect for the people who are observing Ramadan. They should not of forcefully shut u guys down, but at the same time I think it would be nice to see you guys give a little respect and close or at least not serve alcohol for a month.

I’m Surprised they close restaurants in Jordan. I Don’t know if it’s fair that they force them to close, but why don’t the restaurant owners have some respect and volunteer to close during the month of Ramadan. Just to have some respect for the people who are observing Ramadan. They should not of forcefully shut u guys down, but at the same time I think it would be nice to see you guys give a little respect and close or at least not serve alcohol for a month.

Hi Madian:

I read about the news quite sadly from New York – and have to say that it makes me miss Jordan quite a lot less (okay, I miss Jordan something insane, but…). Is there anything we can do to help support the reopening? I am the queen of complaining – if it would be of any use. Maybe through the Jordan representation here?

Best, Anita

wake up guys,,,,,

Jordan is a muslim country ruled by a muslim goverment and the great great grandson of Saydna Mohammad.
so wake up and efhamoha ba2a,gay community will never survive here.
your books@cafe wasnt shut down coz u severed beer nor coz u the place stinks,i was shut down coz it promotes gay life and his owner is like the biggest gay in amman.
and guess what Jordan can be a great country even without gay,ohh what a shock i can be a modern muslim livin’ in a modern amman and not be gay,,,,gay isnt cool it’s the most (edited).
so if you dont like here just leave.

wake up guys,,,,,

Jordan is a muslim country ruled by a muslim goverment and the great great grandson of Saydna Mohammad.
so wake up and efhamoha ba2a,gay community will never survive here.
your books@cafe wasnt shut down coz u severed beer nor coz u the place stinks,i was shut down coz it promotes gay life and his owner is like the biggest gay in amman.
and guess what Jordan can be a great country even without gay,ohh what a shock i can be a modern muslim livin’ in a modern amman and not be gay,,,,gay isnt cool it’s the most (edited).
so if you dont like here just leave.

I totally agree with Bassam, we are intolerant with gays! How dare gays live in Jordan! Lets start a “gayhunt” round up these people and get them up against the wall! While we’re at it lets go after the communists, atheists, and Jews… We can’t tolerate riff-raff in Jordan!

Disclaimer: I AM BEING SARCASTIC!

I really needed that disclaimer, apparently some people really have that attitude and would not understand that I was being sarcastic and would even support me! Its sad, I know…

Muhanad
i hope that there will be a day when you face crude facts in the face. Your cafe has been publically know and very well known for its weird activities. I visited your unesteemed cafe several times and witnessed the intimate kissing between same sex people.

You are the only person in Jordan who serves “pink seven up” and the only person where your staff see people getting intimate and turn their backs.

You have a history and you cannot blame Ramadan for your reputation. You cannot claim that you have been victimized by our state policies. Our state policies showed respect over ages for the Christian, buddest and all. If you deny that that then you have some problems.

I have the free right to express my self and i do reiterate that it serves you right and should have been long before. If you were in America and no one is allowed to smoke in the street then you would adhere but since you are here you have the preconception that you can violate any rules and then pay Rashwa so that you can get yourself out. It turns out to be not.

You said that you have been serving alcohol at the terrace !!! the likes of you deserve much greater penalty for such intentional disrespect.

We are in Jordan, and we deserve to be respected the way we should DONT blame it on the state, look yourself in the mirror.

Muhanad
i hope that there will be a day when you face crude facts in the face. Your cafe has been publically know and very well known for its weird activities. I visited your unesteemed cafe several times and witnessed the intimate kissing between same sex people.

You are the only person in Jordan who serves “pink seven up” and the only person where your staff see people getting intimate and turn their backs.

You have a history and you cannot blame Ramadan for your reputation. You cannot claim that you have been victimized by our state policies. Our state policies showed respect over ages for the Christian, buddest and all. If you deny that that then you have some problems.

I have the free right to express my self and i do reiterate that it serves you right and should have been long before. If you were in America and no one is allowed to smoke in the street then you would adhere but since you are here you have the preconception that you can violate any rules and then pay Rashwa so that you can get yourself out. It turns out to be not.

You said that you have been serving alcohol at the terrace !!! the likes of you deserve much greater penalty for such intentional disrespect.

We are in Jordan, and we deserve to be respected the way we should DONT blame it on the state, look yourself in the mirror.

I have been away for so many years, and frankly this is not what “change” is all about! or what you call a “modern” Jordan!! You are so poor! just imitating the west without actually really thinking. yes, we all should respect Ramadan whether we like it or not, it is part of who we are. Jordan has changed a lot and to the worst! Drinking and partying is not a change, go read a book and share ot with a friend, build something beneficial to your country and your fellow citizen instead of whining about that! The way it was done, I agree is not “modern” but other than that you are just wasting your youth over nothing!!

Hello Dear,

You were saying ” I prefer to fight for a better Jordan and I think everyone should do the same. This is my country and I live in it and I will contribute to a better Jordan.”

Which does make me wonder .. does a better Jordan come with serving alcohol?
Regardless what were the lies or the accusations .. the main reason behind the closure is obviously serving alcohol.

Now .. if we are to speak rationally about Jordan and our Jordanian values definitely we wont find handling alcohol as a Jordanian tradition or among our Jordanian customs .. Let alone Ramadan and what does Ramadan represent to all of us Muslims.

Why we measure the percentage of progress and compare it to the western values and come in here and shout loudly “we want a better Jordan” .. wanting a better Jordan comes first by maintaining Jordanians values intact .. I assure you that among the Jordanian values you’ll not be surprised to find that The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan constitutionally is listed as an Islamic country .. where I see that serving alcohol doesn’t in any way make Jordan a better country or even goes along with our Islamic constitutional definition of Jordan as a country .. When looking at Jordan’s values please refer as well to the very first title of the kingdom “The Hashemite” ..

Sorry to hear about the closure .. even though I would’ve personally prevented all alcoholic drinks to be served all over the country .. Looking of course at our Islamic and Arabian values, then looking at the west who started to see the ultimate harm in alcohol in general .. you can check on that by referring to any medical study that does prove it harmful and by as well having it listed along with drugs in all big companies that fight such substances.

Best Regards

Hello Dear,

You were saying ” I prefer to fight for a better Jordan and I think everyone should do the same. This is my country and I live in it and I will contribute to a better Jordan.”

Which does make me wonder .. does a better Jordan come with serving alcohol?
Regardless what were the lies or the accusations .. the main reason behind the closure is obviously serving alcohol.

Now .. if we are to speak rationally about Jordan and our Jordanian values definitely we wont find handling alcohol as a Jordanian tradition or among our Jordanian customs .. Let alone Ramadan and what does Ramadan represent to all of us Muslims.

Why we measure the percentage of progress and compare it to the western values and come in here and shout loudly “we want a better Jordan” .. wanting a better Jordan comes first by maintaining Jordanians values intact .. I assure you that among the Jordanian values you’ll not be surprised to find that The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan constitutionally is listed as an Islamic country .. where I see that serving alcohol doesn’t in any way make Jordan a better country or even goes along with our Islamic constitutional definition of Jordan as a country .. When looking at Jordan’s values please refer as well to the very first title of the kingdom “The Hashemite” ..

Sorry to hear about the closure .. even though I would’ve personally prevented all alcoholic drinks to be served all over the country .. Looking of course at our Islamic and Arabian values, then looking at the west who started to see the ultimate harm in alcohol in general .. you can check on that by referring to any medical study that does prove it harmful and by as well having it listed along with drugs in all big companies that fight such substances.

Best Regards

that was expected…i mean u r in a third world developing country claims of being a free country… so take it easy….
if ramadan is the problem, and the authorities ban you from working…will close for 30 days…we have another 11 months ; )

I like Book@

oh give me a break , there r gays here more than is KSA !!!
FYI : im GAY , n most of my “Friends” know that , n by friends i mean REAL friends … ya most of them r no that religiouse , one of them actually hates my guts , but eventually i get my respect as a person …

Most of the people here think that gays r feminin , uberly “SPARKLING” n in a jordanian accent “N9′eef”

well let me tell u sth , am as str8 looking as the next guy , not girly at all , n probably shock my friends when i tell them im gay …

well anyway …

the point is … u would b shocked if u Realy know the ammount of Gay/Bi/Curious people in jordan !!!
Kids , teenagers , married men , Dads … its enormouse … imagin your dad beeing gay , or your best friend or your brother …
would u kill him then ???
or prosicute them ??
or as the other guy said “HUNT” them ???

oh give me a break , there r gays here more than is KSA !!!
FYI : im GAY , n most of my “Friends” know that , n by friends i mean REAL friends … ya most of them r no that religiouse , one of them actually hates my guts , but eventually i get my respect as a person …

Most of the people here think that gays r feminin , uberly “SPARKLING” n in a jordanian accent “N9′eef”

well let me tell u sth , am as str8 looking as the next guy , not girly at all , n probably shock my friends when i tell them im gay …

well anyway …

the point is … u would b shocked if u Realy know the ammount of Gay/Bi/Curious people in jordan !!!
Kids , teenagers , married men , Dads … its enormouse … imagin your dad beeing gay , or your best friend or your brother …
would u kill him then ???
or prosicute them ??
or as the other guy said “HUNT” them ???

i LOVE AMMAN….I LOVE JORDAN..

JUST KEEP IT THE WAY IT IS..
we doesnt need any help..walkom we have a gay club WHT DO U NEED MORE ????

Ghrrrrrr

Ghrrrrrr

To Aulic

First off its not about serving alcohol , its about freedom. I mean if you dont wanna drink alcohol and you dont wanna go to places that serves alcohol, then dont go to books@cafe or any place that serves alcohol.
But dont forget that there are other people living in this country with different beliefs and religions , with different traditions and values , if i wanna drink alcohol im free to drink alcohol , man we dont live in saudi arabia!!! But im starting to see that we have alot of retards who wanna go back to living in the stone age ( with abu lahab) , so if you want a country thats alcohol free ( impossible to find) you can go to saudi arabia and live with camels that goes to all of you out there that hates books@cafe or any other place like irish pub …etc , so like i said we’re free to choose our life styles , if you wanna be religious no one is stopping you , but dont ever force your own beliefs on others , salam

Well not everyone is religious , not everyone follows your religion or christianity or judaism, some people are athiests and some are agnostic some dont believe in anything and since jordan supposedly is a freakin free country as they claim… then we have the rite to do what the hell ever we want because go check the constitution theres nothing against gays not one single freakin law and alcohol is allowed in the country if you dont like it we dont care whatever you say will not change the fact that we have alot of pubs and clubs here , go shut down all the whore houses in jordan before starting on the whole homosexuality and alcohol thing , all of you are such hypocrites

Well not everyone is religious , not everyone follows your religion or christianity or judaism, some people are athiests and some are agnostic some dont believe in anything and since jordan supposedly is a freakin free country as they claim… then we have the rite to do what the hell ever we want because go check the constitution theres nothing against gays not one single freakin law and alcohol is allowed in the country if you dont like it we dont care whatever you say will not change the fact that we have alot of pubs and clubs here , go shut down all the whore houses in jordan before starting on the whole homosexuality and alcohol thing , all of you are such hypocrites

Hi,
I just want to say something…
” Thats why u will keep holding the name of
((( 3rd World )))

And may be it is not far u keep this name in the Heaven

الله يقويكوا وقلبنا معاكم اتمنى ان لا تيأسوا وتكملواالطريق

الله يقويكوا وقلبنا معاكم اتمنى ان لا تيأسوا وتكملواالطريق

man, i go for a week and come back and this this freak show is still on.

people can’t vote in Jordan. elections are rigged. they can’t criticize the government without suffering dire consequences. we have rigged corruption charges. jordanians can’t feel safe about their money and their future. and the only fight for freedom you are willing to fight for is to have a beer at your favorite bar? why not walk down the road to another bar? if this is the only concern you have in Jordan, that means you are part of the power club that does all of the above to fellow Jordanians.

besides, i think you are very desperate to turn this beer@books issue into a freedom struggle to make your silly cause look more important than it really is. you are ignoring the undisputed truth that you can have a beer at a few dozen places in Ramada even while Books was closed. So someone is lying and it’s not the shop keepers who are serving alcohol.

But I don’t think you can be truthful about your silly cause. To do so would expose how silly and narcissistic you are. SO FREEEEDOMMMMMM!!!

We All herd gossips about this issue but the street is talking about a sexual disclosure and i believe posting the real issue is so important.

im happy to see all these posts .. but the main issue is we are screaming with no voice freedome of religion is one of the most important human rights mayebe closing Book@cafee is a small issue but it entails from a larger issue which is freedom in jordan … are we going to live to see the light of freedom in jordan i hope we do … we all love jordan and rather to live and stay here but such issues can leave a bad aste in the mouth a large impact on society …

i doubt if the inspector had one good vision how closing Books@cafee can have bad reflections on tourism on Joradan Book@Cafee is a hot shot for tourist and locals in jordan.

Madian keep on Fighting you have all of our support … im sorry for your loss and hopefully this will get better soon .

Regards
Malik

We All herd gossips about this issue but the street is talking about a sexual disclosure and i believe posting the real issue is so important.

im happy to see all these posts .. but the main issue is we are screaming with no voice freedome of religion is one of the most important human rights mayebe closing Book@cafee is a small issue but it entails from a larger issue which is freedom in jordan … are we going to live to see the light of freedom in jordan i hope we do … we all love jordan and rather to live and stay here but such issues can leave a bad aste in the mouth a large impact on society …

i doubt if the inspector had one good vision how closing Books@cafee can have bad reflections on tourism on Joradan Book@Cafee is a hot shot for tourist and locals in jordan.

Madian keep on Fighting you have all of our support … im sorry for your loss and hopefully this will get better soon .

Regards
Malik

Dear Suhad …

i lived in the state for a while (California to be specific) and you cant proclaim or match between human rights here and there … there is a big diffrence between respecting people and forcing people … i dont want to fast this is my freedom i want to grab a bear during lunch time and this a freedom 2 … people who want to fast should consider us the other irreligious people (globalists people) … freedom ha …

i cant drink water, eat or smoke in public because of ramadan were is my freedom …who ever want to be religious its his own case … i dont have to obey with peoples spiritual side … now i feel like a minority. but the funny thing is most of my colleagues friends and co-workers are facing the same issue so basically were are not a minority. but we have to live like one .

Regards .. Malik

Change should start with the people’s mentality in Jordan….and that’s one long way for Jordan….which by itself -and I am sorry to say it – is a mission impossible.

I don’t understand why don’t they just forbid alcohol drinks in Ramadan and be dealt with…tourists are actually more intellectual than we think and they understand the habits and customs of the country they are visiting….I don’t see how this can change, Ramadan will always be a spiky issue in Islamic countries, including Jordan.

Good luck on your fight, although it seems to me that Amman was much much “free-er” back in the 80′s and it’s been going downhill ever since….I hope you prive me wrong.

Change should start with the people’s mentality in Jordan….and that’s one long way for Jordan….which by itself -and I am sorry to say it – is a mission impossible.

I don’t understand why don’t they just forbid alcohol drinks in Ramadan and be dealt with…tourists are actually more intellectual than we think and they understand the habits and customs of the country they are visiting….I don’t see how this can change, Ramadan will always be a spiky issue in Islamic countries, including Jordan.

Good luck on your fight, although it seems to me that Amman was much much “free-er” back in the 80′s and it’s been going downhill ever since….I hope you prive me wrong.

Hi guys,
is books@ still closed?

I have heard so many stories of lijan going around to restaurants in Ramadan closing down cafes and restaurants , one story was the minister of interior him self …that was quit surprising and too much for his position…it made me think…is it for personal reasons or just a random check hmmmmm.

By giving these places the legal document and license to open in Ramadan and resume their activities including serving alcohol for who ever would like and then shutting down their places by another authority is a bit disappointing …personally I think we have a big problem in the system….there is no co operation or planning from all these authorized ministries whether it be the interior , the tourism or even restaurant association…(one of them is trying to show muscles by showing they are putting Jordan on the right track) what track or identity are we after???????? this is the confusion……

For the sake of argument, if I am an owner of a place( we know that is not something easy or simple) and I have all legal documents where do I go after my place has been shut down …who should protect me ???? if restaurant association put their hands up and would do nothing…then why do they exist in the first place …just for prestige or what???… The ministry of tourism on the other hand laughs at the orders they get especially when the violations are exchanging kisses or indecent dress code…maybe restaurants and cafes should have signs saying NO KISSING or MIND UR DRESS CODE just being creative and sarcastic!!

I think what is happening is very alarming….what happened to promoting investments and services that news papers have been talking about on behalf of officials in Jordan??? What do we want Jordan to be??? The grave yard of ambitious talented youth Jordanians??? By doing this we are forcing these people to pack and leave..Opening businesses in other countries and employing non Jordanians …..then we will all sit back and say why do we have un employment….why there is no place to go and have a nice time meet friends…etc.. in Jordan ?
If the whole point was alcohol during Ramadan…then save these poor employees the sins of fabricating and laying in their reports ……and just announce officially that alcohol is banned during Ramadan in ALL places that are out of hotels.
There is too much corruption and problems going on I honestly think its time for higher people to pay attention..Madian you do have a case no matter how small others think it is …good luck to all .

I have heard so many stories of lijan going around to restaurants in Ramadan closing down cafes and restaurants , one story was the minister of interior him self …that was quit surprising and too much for his position…it made me think…is it for personal reasons or just a random check hmmmmm.

By giving these places the legal document and license to open in Ramadan and resume their activities including serving alcohol for who ever would like and then shutting down their places by another authority is a bit disappointing …personally I think we have a big problem in the system….there is no co operation or planning from all these authorized ministries whether it be the interior , the tourism or even restaurant association…(one of them is trying to show muscles by showing they are putting Jordan on the right track) what track or identity are we after???????? this is the confusion……

For the sake of argument, if I am an owner of a place( we know that is not something easy or simple) and I have all legal documents where do I go after my place has been shut down …who should protect me ???? if restaurant association put their hands up and would do nothing…then why do they exist in the first place …just for prestige or what???… The ministry of tourism on the other hand laughs at the orders they get especially when the violations are exchanging kisses or indecent dress code…maybe restaurants and cafes should have signs saying NO KISSING or MIND UR DRESS CODE just being creative and sarcastic!!

I think what is happening is very alarming….what happened to promoting investments and services that news papers have been talking about on behalf of officials in Jordan??? What do we want Jordan to be??? The grave yard of ambitious talented youth Jordanians??? By doing this we are forcing these people to pack and leave..Opening businesses in other countries and employing non Jordanians …..then we will all sit back and say why do we have un employment….why there is no place to go and have a nice time meet friends…etc.. in Jordan ?
If the whole point was alcohol during Ramadan…then save these poor employees the sins of fabricating and laying in their reports ……and just announce officially that alcohol is banned during Ramadan in ALL places that are out of hotels.
There is too much corruption and problems going on I honestly think its time for higher people to pay attention..Madian you do have a case no matter how small others think it is …good luck to all .

so let me get this straight, prostitution, homos, all those video clips, bank interests, alcohol, atheists, they are all there in jordan, aren’t they? but now that this stinging country is biting u in the ass it suddenly became islamic? so now who’s the hypocrite? do u honestly believe those inspectors were after u because u sell alcohol? probably another stinging corrupt alcohol owner wants you out of business and bribed them, that makes more sense, bribe them back!

The place reopened I heard

The place reopened I heard

mariam, bravo i think you got it right my dear , honestly i think we are people full of hate and dont like to see anyone doing well or successful especially when they are in the same profession unfortunatly….bribs , and connections serving personal interests is there for sure…and the inspectors or police are just employees taking orders from higher officials that sometimes abuse thier authorities..and a big question mark is there …WHY!! In the name of what ever they are doing it or what ever violation of law they are framing it..they are only hidding behind thier reports / order but never can hide from God and thats a fact!

Congrats on the re-opening of books@ i hope the comments helped in any way and good luck for those who are still suffering or have pending issues.

God bless.

This proofs that Jordan is full of corruption and yes you need to pay Rashwa and money to re-open your place. You have to be VIP or your parents to get away with things. That is our lovely country Jordan and this is were we are going down hill.

This proofs that Jordan is full of corruption and yes you need to pay Rashwa and money to re-open your place. You have to be VIP or your parents to get away with things. That is our lovely country Jordan and this is were we are going down hill.

madian. . . stay strong my friend. . .
whatever we can do to help just tell us. . . .
jordan can be a beacon of warmth and wisdom and mutual understanding. . . but you’re right. . . we have to struggle for it. .
let’s hope those with real power see this!!! . . . and realise they need to curb the base, regressive instincts of those who seek to undermine the essence of a tolerant and understanding society here. .
warm wishes. . . tudor and brenda

now we got defenders for the cause of Books@Cafe! where are you guys from other important issues in this country?! of course busy with clubs and your own affairs.. esp the drinks!
kindly refrain from attacking others.. the officrs who provoked thought that they represent the authority and authorised to insult.. individuals behaviour.. why to attack the fundamentalist and muslim brotherhood?? you guys are the reason of creating extremism in this country as you are living under the illusion that people who live in this country are only you guys.. i believe this country is well established and has its own heritage and culture.. which you dare to violate and dis-respect!

now we got defenders for the cause of Books@Cafe! where are you guys from other important issues in this country?! of course busy with clubs and your own affairs.. esp the drinks!
kindly refrain from attacking others.. the officrs who provoked thought that they represent the authority and authorised to insult.. individuals behaviour.. why to attack the fundamentalist and muslim brotherhood?? you guys are the reason of creating extremism in this country as you are living under the illusion that people who live in this country are only you guys.. i believe this country is well established and has its own heritage and culture.. which you dare to violate and dis-respect!

It’s very bad to see alot of defenders on such place.. the place of gays….

from my point view opening such places is wrong be Ramadan wa b3′air Ramadan … and all night clubs, alcohol shops and such cafes should be closed for ever,

and whom want to drink and make bad things (gays) to do it in his own home.

I am totally disappointed of the silliness our youth reached. Some of you were talking about how they want to stay in Jordan to participate in the progress and development of this country and at the same time all they can do is to protest on the web for closing a restaurant in the holly month of Ramadan. For those who want to leave Jordan for such incident I bigg them to leave as soon as possible, because Jordan does not need people like you, their top priority is to sleep all day in an effort to recover from a hangover, and stay all night drinking booze and get wasted. We all must respect our Values, culture, and religion, those of you who lived abroad used to brag of how the others respect their values, culture, and religion.
GROW UP learn to respect and appreciate your country and really get of your fat and lazy ass and do something to yourself and then to your country.

I am totally disappointed of the silliness our youth reached. Some of you were talking about how they want to stay in Jordan to participate in the progress and development of this country and at the same time all they can do is to protest on the web for closing a restaurant in the holly month of Ramadan. For those who want to leave Jordan for such incident I bigg them to leave as soon as possible, because Jordan does not need people like you, their top priority is to sleep all day in an effort to recover from a hangover, and stay all night drinking booze and get wasted. We all must respect our Values, culture, and religion, those of you who lived abroad used to brag of how the others respect their values, culture, and religion.
GROW UP learn to respect and appreciate your country and really get of your fat and lazy ass and do something to yourself and then to your country.

I think we are trying to find solutions in order to reopen that place but finding solutions which satisfy everyone. Please everyone, stop these arguments and don’t make it a relegious issue, we never had problems of religions in Jordan, we’ve always been living peacefully among eachother… But I think people want a “naksheh” in every subject just to turn it into a religious subject… Grow Up, We are all Jordanians no matter the religion.

Please,

anyone can tell me if the Books@cafe has re-opened already because I would love to come to visit this place next week while i will be in Amman, next tuesday! It seems to be a nice and cool gay friendly place in the city! Is there anyone that could give me the adress of the RGB in Amman and telle me if its open tuesday? thanks a lot ! Tom

Please,

anyone can tell me if the Books@cafe has re-opened already because I would love to come to visit this place next week while i will be in Amman, next tuesday! It seems to be a nice and cool gay friendly place in the city! Is there anyone that could give me the adress of the RGB in Amman and telle me if its open tuesday? thanks a lot ! Tom

Of course it’s open again Tom – the gov has no real case to keep it closed. They got their way during Ramadan thru shameful, bully behavior – but that had to eventually come to an end, coz it was baseless and pathetic.

Very open and fabulous!
Enjoy ur trip.

the government set some rules and they expect those rules to be obeyed. whats the fussing about? Jordan is an Islamic country as far as i concern. its not easy for any country to represent a religion basis government. as well maintaining the reputation. and the main thing about the politic is they should speak for majority. i believe that the majority is conservative minded muslims. although many might say those are just bunch of hypocrats, yet they rule. the ministry already gave some privileges to liberalism in Jordan so i guess you should keep that and take a good care of it. unless if u want to poke the bear, scream back! (incase that you are sure the bear wont have your ‘unwilling to poke’-friends as the feast on the table. so yalla!)

i feel sorry for Mr. Madian because of the recent incident.
i simply fond Books@cafe.
i read the article and what happened is so terrible. how mean people can get.
be aware that Mr. Madian is fighting over his restaurant not any sexual orientation rights or liberalization movements. so it is wrong to put such burden on him.
if u r supporting him then support him. its not fair to drag those issue tailing Books@cafe.
it may be true that those issues has affected on Books@cafe, why not make the issues an Issue and let the Books @cafe tails it.

the government set some rules and they expect those rules to be obeyed. whats the fussing about? Jordan is an Islamic country as far as i concern. its not easy for any country to represent a religion basis government. as well maintaining the reputation. and the main thing about the politic is they should speak for majority. i believe that the majority is conservative minded muslims. although many might say those are just bunch of hypocrats, yet they rule. the ministry already gave some privileges to liberalism in Jordan so i guess you should keep that and take a good care of it. unless if u want to poke the bear, scream back! (incase that you are sure the bear wont have your ‘unwilling to poke’-friends as the feast on the table. so yalla!)

i feel sorry for Mr. Madian because of the recent incident.
i simply fond Books@cafe.
i read the article and what happened is so terrible. how mean people can get.
be aware that Mr. Madian is fighting over his restaurant not any sexual orientation rights or liberalization movements. so it is wrong to put such burden on him.
if u r supporting him then support him. its not fair to drag those issue tailing Books@cafe.
it may be true that those issues has affected on Books@cafe, why not make the issues an Issue and let the Books @cafe tails it.

Dear Madian,

Sorry, but why insist on selling alcohol?? Can’t we wait a month or less without ALCOHOL???
What kind of image you present about Jordanians??

Yet, I used to like the place, but hardly any tourists go there. It’s a local joint by all means.

I think you deserved it.

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/101802

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/101802

I SPENT more than 1 hours reading this,
am still woundering, are u all the classy people i used to see at books cafe?
huh, now i relize there is no classy people in jordan… faked masks behind a fancy gucci sunglasses.

We have to destroy this place .. we dont want any gay place in amman

So these last comments are not against your commenting policy, 7iber? You should’nt be allowing them.

thats what i did 4 years ago for the same kind of reasoin we are talking about right here.

i still come here for visits but i mostly stay at home with my family til im back to where ever i were cause everywhere i go i run into these kinds of people.

Jordan is a beauty among arabic countries but something is just wrong with people’s noses which cant stop getting stuck into others businesess

books@cafe was my only breezer when i used to live here, but they are just killing people with their ignorance.

ddhhjhjhjhjhg

he deserved it big time

First of all, we live in a muslim country.. so at least there should be a respect for muslims around the year and especially in Ramdan the holy month.

Secondly, since when drinking is a good thing? If you drink then u r going to make things better or more classy? When you get drunk and drive back to home you can pass a red traffic and cause death to other people!!! You want to make jordan better then help people but giving them advice.

For the love of Jordan and for the sake of a better Jordan i would vote and insist on closing such a cafe because its a place that encourages homosexuality which is totally unaccepted in a relegion way and in a humanity way

For the love of Jordan and for the sake of a better Jordan i would vote and insist on closing such a cafe because its a place that encourages homosexuality which is totally unaccepted in a relegion way and in a humanity way

Knowledge gives weight, gives glory to achievement, most people only see the glory, not to weigh the weight! http://www.from-sports.com

I wonder about the same thing brother. Enlighten me!

dear Madian..
dont be dramatic about it -.- if u dont want to respect ur society’s beliefs then dont expect to be respected

لا حول ولا قوة الا بالله 

BTW christians are a minority, their fasting is highly respected
nevertheless. and they can STILL eat while they fast. their fasting is
different. when you go to the west and you fast, do they respect the
holy month of ramadan? oh wait… they are secular, i forgot.