Uganda, March 3 -- Between the years 1010-990 BC, a brutal king from the land of Ammon (present day Jordan) laid siege to Israel, at a time when Israel was still finding its soul and was, therefore, militarily suspect.

Nahash, for that was his name, gave a very stern condition: if the Jews wanted peace with him, he would only spare them if they agreed to allow him gouge out the right eye of every man. Then he'd of course, run the show and his army would keep the peace.

The Jews, always adamant and forever stubborn, cleverly played for time and asked for chance to consult - which Nahash foolishly granted. The Jews, properly horrified at the prospect of occupation by such a monster, roused themselves, reorganised their military and took p...