Iraqi Soccer Team Wins Important Match

Here's the closest thing to a sportsy post I can come up with:

There's a new ad featuring the Iraq National Soccer Team on the Arabic television news channels, where the club plays a match with rifle-wielding terrorists to determine the fate of the country (hint: the terrorists lose). It starts out with "On a dark day, the terrorists wanted to conquer Iraq" and ends with the goalie disposing of a live grenade with a lucky kick.

The ad, the newest and least graphic installment of a gruesome campaign denouncing terrorism, is aimed at reinforcing the concept in the Arab world that everyone plays a part in stamping out terrorism. But, like the USPS commercials (who sends more letters because they see television ads?), I think TV commercials are a silly medium to influence the deep-seated, complex loyalties of citizens towards either fledgling governments or jihadist operations. But, it's good to see some levity and humor in the discussion, the concept of a soccer team facing with armed terrorists is outrageous prima facie. I'm willing to bet it's our tax dollars at work!

If you just want a funny video about Arabs, check out New Iraqi Law Requires Waiting Period For Suicide Vest Purchases