Arabs and Whiskey

This occurred to me yesterday.  Western journalists in the Middle East are uniformly impressed with Arabs who drink whiskey for some reason, especially if they are Muslims or Muslim-born.  They seem to think it is a sign that an Arab can achieve a measure of civilized manners and behavior.  And I also notice that some Arabs like to impress Western journalists by drinking whiskey.  Those who drink single malt--and I still don't know what that means despite detailed explanation from dear friend Joseph--are put on a pedestal and promoted as ideal types for Arabs.  By the way, Saddam enjoyed drinking whiskey.