Saudi Arabia takes visitor's Bibles and other non-Islamic items

That lovable Saudi Arabian government "continues to bar Jews and Christians from bringing items such as Bibles, crucifixes and Stars of David into the country and is threatening to confiscate them on sight,", according to the Jerusalem Post (hat tip Michael):

A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations," declares the Web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country's national carrier.

After informing would-be visitors that items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography may not be transported into the country, the Web site adds: "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."

Contacted by the Post, an employee of Saudi Arabian Airlines in New York, who would only give her name as Gladys, confirmed this rule was in force. "Yes, sir," she said, "that is what we have heard, that it is a problem to bring these things into Saudi Arabia, so you cannot do it."

An official at the Saudi Consulate in New York, who declined to give her name, told the Post 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.

What would happen if we banned the Koran in the United States? Or Mosques? Or Arabic schools in New York? Or Saudi Arabians coming here to get educations or pilot licenses??? Just wondering?

On a lighter note, Google deleted their own blog! Butch at 123Beta has the story.

Comments

[Yankee Doodle]

It's time to recognize Saudi Arabia's brand of Islam, which the Kingdom actively promotes, as a political movement, one that advocates violent suppression of other ideas. It is very akin to Nazism.

Once recognized as such, it needs to be regulated as such.

Would Bush ever do that to his bestest buddies?

[Bill in Chicago]

Not to mention taking American lives:

www.asecondlookatthesaudis.com

[Angel]

ah those charming Saudis!