Abu Dis, Olives Crossing, ContainerMonday AM, 20.2.06Observers: Maya B., Anat T. (reporting).Summary: Despite the fear of new passage prohibitions (following suggestions made by the security forces and a government meeting on the subject), there is no turn for the worse regarding passage policy. A quiet morning. Those who have permits go through. Olives Crossing is not ready yet. And in addition – everything looks different when there is a decent and polite BP commander around.06:50 The PishpashIt is quiet today. We were afraid there would be massive prohibitions concerning passage to Jerusalem, but it was not to be.About 15 investigated/detained men and the checking and taking down of details is carried out in the nearby BP jeep. The commander is A., and he is a very pleasant man. And when there is a calm and decent commander, everything looks different. Even the old women, loaded with all sorts of leaves and agricultural products go through upon his instructions. The investigated/detained are released within 20 minutes. 2 Norwegian volunteers from the Eucumanian Church join us, one of them a refugee of the Islamic riots in Hebron. She says the violence was not as strong as the media portrayed it, but they still will not go back there. From here on they accompany us to the Container as well.07:40 Olives Crossing2 BP soldiers and two civilian guards, and besides that – nada. We read in last week’s report that the way here from the Pishpash in a transit takes 6 minutes, and we hope it is really that fast. In any case, from here too it will be difficult to get out, impossible by foot (a terribly steep road to Jerusalem), and the street is narrow. The Palestinians are in for grave difficulties once the construction is over. 08:00 ContainerOn the way we saw a traffic jam at the exit from Al Ezariya. We recalled that on Saturday a resident of Ma’ale Adumim had been stabbed, but checking seemed routine and the queue was of a normal length. Almost no traffic at the Container. They stop a taxi on its way to Ramallah and release it immediately after checking one or two IDs. We make a mental count of the number of CPs the taxi will have to go through till it reaches its destination. Traveling is like in the old days. A., the DCO representative ignores our presence. My feeling is that we may have been a bit harsh on him.