Palestinians, Israelites agree to settle differences, Comedy Central Style.
Thursday, June 5, 2003.
By Scott Wells
The new show, staring Ben Stein, is a one time only special. In it, Ariel Sharon and Yassar Arafat will answer cheekily titled trivia questions for a
chance to win control over
the disputed areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, to settle the
dispute once and for all. The special is called "Win Ben
Stein's Homeland."The idea came about after a planned appearance on a Maury Povich episode about out-of control occupied territories fell through. Apparently, PLO Chairman Yassar Arafat backed out after learning producers of the show planned on sending him to a "scared straight" style boot camp.
Their are still some issues to be resolved - for instance, neither Arafat or Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (see War Crimes Special) wants Cousin Sal to co-host the show. PM Sharon wants Henry Kissinger, while Mr. Arafat would prefer Jimmy Kimmel. "I'm a big fan of his work on the Man Show," Mr. Arafat was quoted as saying.