I was aware of the PLO associations of the kaffiyeh way back in the 80s, but they were so fashionable then that you could wear one pretty sfaely without anyone assuming any political message. I had a purple one I wore until it becoame a rag, then it functioned as a bedroom curtain for a year or so. I have a newer black and white one I bought in the mid 90s which I enjoyed wearing because it was warm, practical, and went with everything. I still have it but sadly can’t bring myself to wear it anymore because, rightly or wrongly, the political assocations have just become too strong, post 9-11. I do not wish to be mistaken for a suicide-bomber sympathizer, by either side, thank you very much. Maybe this one will also be reincarnated as a curtain, or perhaps a tablecloth…
