When politics, religion, and health crises clash

Egypt is trying to slaughter all of the country's pigs. Is this because they are trying to prevent swine flu from getting a foot-hold in the country?

That's what the government is telling people. But I wonder if this decision wasn't made easier by the fact that the pigs are raised for consumption by the Christian minority (being considered 'unclean' and therefore not consumable by the Muslim majority).

Of course, the Christians are going to have no trouble surviving without pork chops or ham for a few months. But those poor pig farmers are going to hurt. They're not even given compensation... Ouch.

This story made me think of the possibility that this flu outbreak can be seen by radical (and some not so radical) muslims as clear evidence that god disfavors the decadent pig-eaters from the west.

The WHO tells us that we're at threat level 5. I guess the religious wars are over. Muslims win. Oh wait, The other chosen people are still in the game.

Oh pigs... why'd you have to go an be so damn tasty!

Homer: Are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad, those all come from the same animal.
Homer: Heh heh heh. Ooh, yeah, right, Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal.