HEY, YOU -- TAKE YOUR PRAYER MAT AND GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! WE HAVE ASSES TO KICK!

US urges quick end to Hajj so it can prosecute war

The Saudi authorities have decided to cut short the rituals of this year’s Hajj (pilgrimage) in response to a US request to clear the peninsula of pilgrims so it can pursue a war with Iraq as soon as possible after the annual gathering.

The policy has been adopted as a "necessary" measure taken in accordance with a fatwa (religious edict) to that effect, a leading Egyptian paper reported on Saturday, February 8.

...The reported announcement raised questions whether there is an American request for an evacuation of the pilgrims amid great prospects for launching a military offensive against Iraq after Eid Al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice), an Islamic celebration marking the end of Hajj....

(Link courtesy Chris at Interesting Times, who wonders if this is true -- as do I. But if it is, it's appalling.)