Passion for Middle East

MEL GIBSON’S controversial film The Passion of the Christ, which has been accused of anti-Semitism, has opened in some Middle East countries.

The film, released as Jews prepare to celebrate Passover and Christians Easter, has opened in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon - but not in Israel.

"Given the damage he’s done, I wouldn’t want to be Mel Gibson on Judgement Day," said one writer in an Israeli paper.