Thanks once again for all your kind comments, folks! I am back from vacation, I survived the Grand's for a week, and possibly more important, THEY survived ME!

Tanish, as you suggested (HOPED??) the small Muslim country indeed does NOT exist, at least that I know of. I should also point out that I did not intend this story to be a slam against Muslims in general, but only a radical offshoot of that Religion which misinterprets what I understand is a Religion that promotes peace and tranquility.

As a Fundamentalist Christian (Yeah, I am! Really!) I am very familiar with people who misinterpret their teachings for their own aims or agenda. Some of the least tolerant, most critical people in the world claim to be Christians, so I would never presume to criticize any religion as a whole. As Jesus Himself said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Ok, back off my soapbox - Thanks again for all the comments.

Charlieje,

nice to read your answer.

Actually I am a believing Christian, too.

I didn`t understand your story as a criticism to Islam in general, just as you said yourself to some radical idiots. (Whose beliefs and behaviour have nothing to do with faith, but with machismo and gaining power, btw)

But the things you`ve written are not so farfetched, let me assure you. Just today I spoke with a friend of mine who has some loose contacs to the "red-light-milieu" (prostitution, drugs, etc.) and she indeed told me that abductions, forced slavery and murder are happening not so far away from here ...

Nevertheless looking forward to your next great story,

Tanish

In “The American Prince,” as in all of Charlie’s writings, I find myself as interested in the author as in the story. Charlie seems to exemplify the proverb, “If live gives you lemons, make lemonade.” His main characters are always struck down by horrendous problems, yet manage to find ways to be happy and to succeed. The stories are well-written with memorable characters, and there is always a happy ending. Just reading his compelling tales, I know that I would like to meet Charlie in real life. Joy and kindness slip through into everything he writes.