Saudi Welcome Comes With A Warning

From the heart of Islam, Saudi Arabia, home to Mecca and Medina, comes evidence how Muslims there feel about peace and tolerance. Although the Saudi government is trying to increase tourism, the web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines says, "A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations." It also states, "Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are also prohibited. These may include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols such as the Star of David, and others." Don't all you infidels feel the warmth?

According to the Jerusalem Post, an official at the Saudi Consulate in New York, who declined to give her name, told them that anyone bringing a Bible into the country or wearing a crucifix or Star of David around their neck would run into trouble with Saudi authorities.

"You are not allowed to bring that stuff into the kingdom," the consular official said. "If you do, they will take it away," she warned, adding, "If it is really important to you, then you can try to bring it and just see what happens, but I don't recommend that you do so."

Asked to explain the policy, the official said, "Every country has rules about what can or cannot enter."

If I had to try to defend the behavior of the prophet's band of bigots, I wouldn't give my name either.