Friday, June 22, 2012

Bewitched And Beheaded

The temperature in Saudi's Najran Province bordering Yemen runs into the high 110s this time of the year with spikes into the low 140s. The name itself means thirsty, yet the highlands support dazzling forest in comparison to the sun-bleached deserts. There are even waterfalls in the mountains, but this week the province hit the international news for executing a Saudi national for the crimes of adultery and sorcery ie possession of books and talismans harmful to Islam. Crucifixion of the decapitated body is a rare treat for the public edification. In 2010 a Lebanese fortuneteller was arrested in Saudi Arabia for sorcery. Only pressure from his country saved him for the fate as Muree bin Ali bin Issa al-Asiri. Punishment or 'uqubat was swift and final. As much as Americans are repelled by Sharia law, there is a fair percentage of the population who recognize the draconian measures as a god-send for a nation beset by lawlessness. Thankfully guns are permitted to be carried by Americans and not swords. Think of all those Bible-thumpers and their religious doodads. Straight to the place of execution under Sharia law. Sorcerers. My crime would be beer-drinking and any people that don't drink beer can keep their distance from my places of habitation.

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