Have a cigar, you're gonna' go far

Yes, those nefarious Israelis/Jews are back to their old tricks. They've found yet another way to increase the suffering of the poor Arabs, especially those in Gaza. If only the Israelis would ease the economic embargo...

SHATI REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip - In Akram Abu Ghaben's hole-in-the wall grocery, cigarettes are no longer sold by the pack.
Skyrocketing prices — a result of Israel's economic sanctions on Gaza following the Hamas takeover in June — have pushed cigarettes out of the reach of many smokers.
In a tension-filled place where a pack of Marlboros is a badge of manliness and smoking is common, even in hospitals and elevators, many are now forced to face their addiction.
Some have quit, while others are reluctantly cutting back, cursing Israel for keeping most cigarettes out and the Hamas government for clamping high taxes on whatever gets through.
Mahmoud Zahar, a stern Hamas ideologue and physician, said he's not moved by the smokers' complaints.
"We are very happy about their suffering," said Zahar, pointing to the obvious health and financial benefits of the cigarette shortage.

AP - Sat Oct 20, 2:21 PM ET
Palestinian Akram Abu Ghaben, right, sells a cigarette to a customer at his shop in Gaza City Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. In Akram Abu Ghaben's hole-in-the wall grocery, cigarettes are no longer sold by the pack, but by the piece. Skyrocketing prices — a result of Israel's even tighter economic stranglehold on Gaza following the Hamas takeover in June — have pushed cigarettes out of the reach of many smokers.(AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

Palestinian Abdel Basset Hajaj, 50, a former smoker who quit after some 38 years due to high prices is seen in Gaza City Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. Skyrocketing prices — a result of Israel's even tighter economic stranglehold on Gaza following the Hamas takeover in June — have pushed cigarettes out of the reach of many smokers. Some, like Hajaj have quit, while others are reluctantly cutting back, cursing Israel for keeping most cigarettes out and the Hamas government for clamping high taxes on whatever gets through.(AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

Then AP includes these two photos to accompany their ground breaking news story.