With Friends Like These

The invaluable Middle East Media Research Institute unearths further evidence that Middle East governments are not reliable. Here's a quote from the Egyptian government daily Al-Masaa, in their January 2, 2004, edition:

"Even if during [a martyrdom operation] civilians or children are killed – the blame does not fall upon the Palestinians, but on those who forced them to turn to this modus operandi.

Ultimately, we should bless every Palestinian man or woman who goes calmly to carry out a martyrdom operation, in order to receive a reward in the Hereafter, sacrificing her life for her religion and her homeland and knowing that she will never return from this operation.

I guess the Arab rule is that Abortion is legal until Jews convert to Islam. (And take note of the ever-so-politically-correct use of "she.")

The United States gives Egypt $2 billion per year in foreign aid. Might that money be better spent elsewhere, anywhere elsewhere, including on Mars?