Suicide Bombings Become Political Satire in Iraq during Ramadhan

Following are excerpts from an Iraqi political satire titled "Justice is Dead," which aired on Al-Sharqiya TV on September 17, 2007:

"Oprah Winfrey": Hello, dear viewers, how are you? Welcome. I've missed you very very much. I welcome you today, and I welcome all our viewers who have left Iraq, and who are in Europe and the neighboring countries. Good evening to you. I'd like to say to those dear viewers who've left Iraq: What can you possibly know about what's going on here? I'd like to inform you that our relations have become very close with people who carry out bombings and make car bombs.

Loud bang

Don't be scared, dear viewers, those guys just wanted to greet us, because they know that today's show is about them.

[...]

Okay, tell us how an explosion is done.

Explosives expert: Let me show you. Where's the... Come here, boy. Stand here. Show us how to explode the watchamacallit... the explosives belt. Go on, pull it. Go away. Give it here. I'll do it to show you. Give me the belt, put it on me. Go on. I'll do it the best way possible. Don't be afraid. If we die, it's no big deal. Go on, undo the rope. Who tied this? Did they give it to you like this, tied so tightly? If we die, it's no big deal?! On no! The rope is entangled.

"Oprah Winfrey": Do you need any help? I'm scared. Should I ask the TV station manager to give you a hand?

Explosives expert: If only...

"Oprah Winfrey": Let me call him, so you can blow yourself up, and we'll get rid of you.

Explosives expert: Hold on a moment, I'm done. It won't take any longer. Look. Put the belt on like this.

"Oprah Winfrey": Fasten your seat belts.

Explosives expert: You put the belt on like this, and tie it. On the belly. We want it all to scatter all over the street. Okay? After you tie it, say: One, two, three...

Loud explosion