Horns of Joy

The last Saturday of July in Anman was full of cheerful high school students leaning out of car windows.

The frenetic sound of horns announced that it was the last day of school exams, and that the grades had been released also.

The final exam scores not only serve as proof of the student's graduation, but they are also decisive for entering university.

Jordanians usually celebrate by ringing their car horn.In the beginning of July、the well known ruins of Petra were chosen as one of the "New Seven wonders of the world". The decision was announced at one o'clock in the morning, but the celebrating horns sounded until well past two a.m. and there was no sign of them stopping anytime soon.The same thing happens when Jordan's soccer team wins a match.

Last month the Asian cup was won by Iraq. Their team's winning brought the country a lot of happiness during difficult times.

However, 50 people who were celebrating the great result unfortunately fell victim to a suicide bombing attack, and others were killed by stray bullets from guns fired in celebration.

In Jordan, the once popular firing of guns in celebration seems to have been abolished by law.

I wish Iraq would also discontinue this tradition to prevent incidents occurring just when people are celebrating happy moments.