Conversations in a time of Covid, Episode 7: X

*** Final Episode in this Series ***

X is an eloquent cultural educator, storyteller and tour guide born in Amman, Jordan to Palestinian parents.

 We discuss the influence having exiled Palestinian parents has had on his own political awareness and activism. X recalls the nascent Arab Spring in 2010 and how it is having a positive, progressive and measured effect in Jordan ten years later.

I learn about Wasta: obtaining both basic services and benefits from personal contacts. While it is pernicious, Wasta is a way of life.

Citizens use Wasta to jump the queue to schools, universities, jobs and speed up government paperwork.

In a light-hearted moment X tells me about a former health minister who thought he was George Clooney.

This is the final episode of this series. I will be back soon so (continue to) subscribe to Travel Worn Satchel podcasts

Music: Fesliyan Studios music https://www.fesliyanstudios.com