Environment
The Freak Middle Eastern Snowstorm, Seen from Space
Looking at the aftermath of an unusually intense snow that swamped Syria, Jerusalem, Lebanon, and elsewhere.
Last week, a strangely vigorous winter storm moved over the Middle East. Over several furious days the tempest threw the region into frigid pandemonium, putting 18 inches of powder in Amman, Jordan, and choking Jerusalem with so much snow the city is still reportedly paralyzed from what the mayor has called a "war of nature."
"We're not used to this kind of weather—neither the residents nor the city," said municipal spokeswoman Brachie Sprung. "In any other situation, the government knows how to act."