The Religious Policeman

An email from a correspondent prompted the following train of thought. Although gambling is un-Islamic, we're always having lotteries for autos in the shopping malls, and I'm sure some tame Imam could be persuaded to issue a Fatwa saying that this scheme is OK.

Every week, Saudi citizens could buy a 10-Riyal ticket with a number from 0 to 20. Then, following the weekly terrorist "surrounding" and shoot-out, those whose number matches the number of escaping terrorists, win a cash prize. It's topical, it's exciting, and no other country could imitate it.

I'm going to propose the idea to the Saudi Ministry of Fun and Frivolity. For obvious reasons, members of the security forces won't be allowed to take part. And I'll try and avoid getting a "0" ticket.