Sheikh Al-Obaikan: my new favorite Saudi cleric

When Sheikh Al-Obaikan issued the smack-down on hardliners for criticism of his having been filmed performing the Bedouin sword dance at a wedding, he became my new favorite Saudi cleric.

He also says that modern science can be used to sight the crescent moon. "How can we take into account the testimony of an old man, 80 years old, who comes to the court and says that he had seen the crescent in the desert? The guy can barely see his sandals!"

Oh, and he also helps fight terrorism!

Photo Credit: By David B. Ottaway -- The Washington Post Photo

Despite the rhyming name and the shared love of sword-dancing, Al-Obaikan is of no relation - as far as I know.

Update: Sheikh says women can drive!