[mrustow]

I thought of another scenario. These two, since they are famous (or "infamous", take your pick) may be allowed to have "freedom" of religion and be left alone because it suits the Palestinian Authority's goal of demonstrating how "even-handed" they treat Jews and Christians in areas under there control. Of course, this is nothing but a smokescreen -- the ordinary people do not have any such rights, just those privledged to be in the good graces of the regime.

The way the Soviets treated trophy defectors?

[CedarDave]

Pretty much. Dictatorships (secular or religious) will always showcase one or two as "examples" of their compassion and benevolence. Of course, it's all a sham for others subject to their rule.