[Sca-cooks] Why no alcohol?

[lilinah at earthlink.net]

I do not recommend trying to get around the systems in the Islamic
countries that are allowing our armed forces today. No sneaking
alcoholic treats in. We have enough trouble in the region without
insulting them.

However, "in period", Muslims in al-Andalus, Persia, and the Ottoman
Empire drank quite a bit of wine, regardless of the Qur'anic
proscription, although certainly not everyone drank. The clerics
complained quite a bit, but those in the ruling classes drank, and
anywhere there were significant populations of Christians and/or Jews
could have "taverns" serving alcohol.

Some of the more Orthodox rulers would have crack downs. Abstinence
was not entirely consistent throughout Dar al-Islam.

I know that in modern day Indonesia, the most populous Islamic
country, beer is a very popular beverage.

Anahita