Here’s my debate question: Why would an apparently otherwise respectable set of news sources in the Arab world treat this crackpot seriously? If he were in the USA he’d be fodder for the silly segments of the news. In the UK, he’d be sharing page space with wacko Jacko.
So why do serious Arab outlets treat this kook with far more respect than he deserves? They can’t be that out of touch, can they?
As a side note:
“But the Jews can cast doubt on this story with their usual methods. What is the religious evidence you said is in the Torah?”
Hilmi:“Naturally, the Jews cast doubt on this story because that is in their interest. But the answer would be that the story is based on what is written in the Torah. It can be found in Exodus, [Chapter] 35, verses 12 through 36…”
Ex 35:12-36 is about the directions for the construction of the Ark, not about any Egyptian gold.
Out of curiousity, how do you know that this kook is being taken seriously, either by the Arab news outlets or by the typical Muslem in the Middle East? I mean, it’s not like when CNN or ABC airs a “kook of the week” story they have big flashing graphics that say “this guy is a nut!”, right?
The learned dean is engaging in satire - whether you think it is funny or not is up to you.
In particular, he’s mocking the claims of the self-proclaimed Elixarch.
No opinion on whether the claims are actually comparable, but that’s what he is trying to do.
Sua