Iranian kids' cartoon glorifies suicide bombings against Israel

Unbelievable. (I take that back -- Mahmoud is in charge, after all.) From the Sunday Telegraph:

"Iranian state television has broadcast a cartoon that glorifies suicide bombings against Israelis, depicting a young boy blowing himself up after being told: 'Go and show the Zionists how brave and heroic are the children of Palestine.'

The cartoon, one of a series shown by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on 'Jerusalem Day' nine days ago, presents the actions of a boy who kills himself to strike back against Israelis as a noble example for children to follow.

More professionally produced and graphic than previous Iranian propaganda aimed at children, the cartoon appears to be part of a campaign led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to elevate the issue of the destruction of Israel. The day before the cartoon was shown, he declared at a World Without Zionism conference: 'This stain of disgrace [Israel] will be wiped off the face of the world - and this is attainable.'"

The Telegraph goes a bit into the gory plot, but the cartoon clip and transcript are available from the Middle East Media Research Institute. Check out their interesting choice of character names (in bold underline) after a boy seeks vengeance for Israeli soldiers murdering his family:

Jassem: "The man who turned your family into martyrs is one of the most bloodthirsty Israeli officers. May God curse him for his ruthlessness."

Abd Al-Rahman: "Do you know who he is?"

Jassem: "Yes, I know him well. His name is Ariel. He is a criminal through and through. He shows no mercy, not even for children."

The boy carries through with his "martyrdom" operation, and the cartoon concludes with another young Palestinian boy picking up his bloody kaffiyeh and strolling off into the sunset.

This is pure madness.