The Hill News

Saudi media outlets took seriously a satirist's joke that part of President Obama's tax deal with Republicans was to come out as a Muslim.

Andy Borowitz wrote a column posted on both his website and the Huffington Post this week titled, "In Latest Compromise with GOP, Obama Agrees He is a Muslim: Place of Birth ‘Negotiable,’ President Says."

Agence France-Presse reported that Al-Hayat, a large newspaper owned by Saudi prince Khalid bin Sultan, and Sabq, believed! to be controlled by the Saudi interior ministry, both ran with the joke as real news.

"Obama doesn't mind coming out as a Muslim if that will satisfy the Republicans," the Al-Hayat headline said.

"Obama: 'I'm ready to announce that I am a Muslim,'" led Sabq.