Plans for Jericho nightclub angers Islamics

RAMALLAH -- The Palestinian Authority has approved the opening of a Western-style nightclub in the highly conservative town of Jericho.

Islamic sources said the nightclub would be connected to the nearby Oasis casino in Jericho, which is off-limits to Palestinians. The nightclub would serve liquor -- forbidden by Islam -- as well as feature dancing and other Western-style recreation.

Officials in Jericho said the municipality was not consulted regarding the nightclub. They said the municipality was kept in the dark.

But Islamic leaders in Jericho attacked the reported project. "Instead of building factories and finding jobs for the unemployed, they are opening dens of adultery and promiscuity," said Sheik Harb Jaber, a Hamas-aligned cleric in Jericho. "This is not what the Palestinian people had longed for."

Palestinian sources said the Oasis had urged the PA to expand its facilities to include a hotel and recreation center and airport to attract Western and regional visitors. They said the PA wants to open a second casino in Ramallah.