You are so popular.
I don’t understand it. All I know is that children, women, men, old men, old women, they all love me.
Why does your show attract so many people?
The dream of money. Drama, if you know how to work it. I play it very well [smiling mischievously].
You sometimes read from the Qur’an on the show. Why?
This helps my viewers in the Middle East relate to me. In Lebanon, we are a cosmopolitan country with at least five principal religions. But Islam, it is a part of me. You can be Christian, like I am, but you are living in an Islamic society.
Your show is more political than average.
Ever since the intifada began, the Arab world has felt very sad. During the last months, there has been a deep feeling of solidarity with the Palestinians. We had been hoping for peace –until [Ariel] Sharon. Then we went back to 1947.
Even Lebanese Maronite Christians and Egyptian Copts identify with the Palestinians?
There is no difference between Christian or Muslim. It’s a matter of rights. These people have a right to live like all the other peoples of the world.
Why haven’t the Palestinians opted for nonviolent resistance?
Because they do not believe that peaceful actions will allow them to move toward independence. They are fanatics, but I don’t think the suicide bombers are crazy. They have lives, like you, like me, and they are pushed, because all their hopes have failed. I hope that Americans do not confuse Islam with fanaticism. Islam is like Christianity. It is a religion of peace, of tolerance, of love.
Is that your final answer?
That is my final answer.
