Militants enjoy American drinks

Militants enjoy American drinks

SURABAYA: Hundreds of Muslims, exhausted after walking the
streets campaigning to boycott American products, took a break to
quench their thirst with some free Fanta and Sprite.

The protesters, mostly from the Islamic Youth Movement and
United Islamic Students Action, were well aware that Sprite and
Fanta are American brands which they were rallying the public to
boycott.

But they had a good excuse. "These drinks were bottled in
Pandaan, not the U.S.," said one demonstrator, while clutching a
picture of Osama bin Laden.

Pandaan is a subdistrict town in Pasuruan regency, a
stronghold of traditional Muslims affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama
(NU).

The protesters were marching from the provincial legislative
council to Grahadi State building when a Kijang van pulled up and
offered them some Sprite and Fanta, Detik.com said.

The generous driver who offered the soft drinks was Sodikin, a
resident of Surabaya.

When they finished the drinks, the demonstrators thanked the
smiling Sodikin and continued with their fiery anti-American
protest at the legislative council. -- JP