[Restorer]

Mullahs, especially the rural variety, were objects of ridicule, widely regarded as dishonest, hypocritical and lazy.

Interesting. This paragraph is a word for word description of the stereotype of the priest, especially monk, during the European Middle Ages.

The jokes about them mostly concerned their sexual appetites; in particular, a penchant for boys below a certain age.

Unfortunately, this one seems to be coming back.

[swarthyguy]

"This paragraph is a word for word description of the stereotype of the priest, especially monk, during the European Middle Ages."

Stereotypes do have a basis in reality. And the Middle Ages stereotype backs up the reality of no modern day renaissance or reformation in the islamic world.

"Unfortunately, this one seems to be coming back."

Never really went away as far the the islamic world is concerned. Tariq Ali was referring to a period of time, relatively recent, the 1940's - 1950's.
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