Last Night With Cheb Khaled

Last night, I attended a diplomatic reception honoring the Algerian pop star Cheb Khaled. The Party was held at the Jordanian Embassy, which I thought was a very kind and generous gesture by the Jordanian government in general and the Jordanian Ambassador in particular. But, I could not help but ask: Why the heck was the party not held at the Algerian Embassy? Khaled is only one of the biggest artists to ever come out of Algeria. It appears that the Algerian Embassy was asked to host the event but turned it down. To be fair, though I remain skeptical, there may have been logistical or scheduling conflicts that made it impossible for the Algerians to host the party. But, again I remain unconvinced as to the explanations I received so far.

At any rate, it was good fun and the hundred or so people in attendance were treated to some great food from a local Algerian restaurant and an upbeat speech by Khaled. Tonight, Khaled will be singing at the George Washington University Lisner Auditorium.