Convenient Convictions

Yet another example of arbitrary capriciousness from the Middle East. A terrorist group in Gaza, the Palestinian Resistance Committee (PRC), makes the claim that the Israeli kidnapped soldier (Cpl. Gilad Shalit) "is being treated according to Islamic standards of dealing with prisoners of war". That concept should make one shudder.

So, what is their definition of "Islamic standards" for war criminals?

According to Sheikh Abdala Darvish, the spiritual head of the southern faction of the Islamic Movement in Israel and a respected Islamic authority, the Sha'aria (Islamic law) has detailed directives governing the treatment of prisoners of war.

Shalit's captors were obligated, according to Sha'aria, to keep the soldier alive and healthy, said Darvish."

Islamic law also prohibits degrading or scaring a prisoner of war.

"The captors are even obligated to give their prisoner a feeling of friendship," added Darvish...

"Regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, the basic principle is that as soon as an enemy soldier has been neutralized and taken out of the war, the Muslim army is responsible for taking care of him."

Wink wink, nudge nudge.

Now, time to blame others for everything you do:

However, sources familiar with the workings of the Hamas-affiliated PRC are skeptical about the extent to which these terrorist groups see themselves as obligated to normative Islamic law. Even Darvish admitted that what he called "Israeli subjugation" of Palestinians forced them to transgress Islamic law.

So, in this religion it's ok to sin if you have a good excuse. How convenient.