A fleeing Taliban,   desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desertwhen    he saw something far off in the distance.

Hoping to find water,    he hurried

toward the oasis, only to find a little old Jewish    man at a small stand, selling ties.

The Taliban asked, “Do you    have water?”

The Jewish man replied, “I have no water.

Would you    like to buy a tie? They are only $5.”

The Taliban shouted,    “Idiot! I do not need an over-priced tie. I need water!

I should   kill you, but I must find water first!”

“OK,” said the old    Jewish man, “It does not matter that you do not want to buy a tie

and that you hate me. I will show you that I am bigger than  that.

If you continue over that hill to the east for about two  miles, you will find a lovely restaurant.

It has all the ice  cold water you need.   Shalom.”

Cursing, the Taliban staggered  away over the hill.

Several hours later he staggered back, almost dead and said, “Your   brother won’t let me in without a  tie!”