The Niqab, the Lungi and the Prophet

I have read a number of disturbing clothing and tolerance related stories of late.

In Sharjah they have banned men from wearing a lungi in public. It was deemed 'women's' clothing and un-Islamic. There's an awful lot of people in Yemen, Oman and all over the Indian sub-continent who would most certainly beg to differ.

Men are now being rounded up for wearing jewellery and specifically neck chains. That means I too am under threat because I wear my wedding ring on a thong round my neck since it became worn and sharp on my finger.

I read that Belgium like France is considering banning the Burqa and Niqab, indeed all coverings that hide the face. Muslim groups are up in arms about religious tolerance.

How is this different from Sharjah's actions?

South Park is taking flak for portraying Prophet Mohammed in a bear suit. Threats have been made.

I saw an awful cartoon of caricature Jews conspiring with the Pope and President Obama in a newspaper recently over here in the Gulf. No howls of hurt outrage from anyone...

There's something wrong in the world. Reality has been twisted to remove common sense.

For the record I am sitting at home wearing my lungi and a Patriots T-shirt from the last time they won the Superbowl. My wife is in jeans and T-shirt. Is she a cross dresser?

The muezzin is calling outside. There's a lively Bollywood movie on the box right now. My pizza is on its way from the shop. This is more like it!