"The flowerbeds along King David Street in downtown Jerusalem are blooming and the road markings have been freshly painted as the city continues its meticulous sprucing in preparation for the visit of US President Barack Obama this week. On the other side of Israel's separation wall, Palestinians have been preparing for a different kind of greeting. Huge billboards that line the dusty road leading into the West Bank city of Ramallah highlight the daily challenges Palestinians face after four decades living under Israel's military occupation. ''President Obama, don't bring your smartphone to Ramallah … We have no 3G in Palestine!'' Another billboard reads: ''President Obama, please make sure to come early to your meeting in Ramallah. It may take you two hours to cross Qalandia checkpoint.'' The Qalandia checkpoint, the scene of frequent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, is the main crossing between Jerusalem and the West Bank and has hours-long delays that make reaching employment, medical appointments and family gatherings challenging for Palestinians."
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