Middle Eastern Bagpipes!

Remarkz was wondering why the typically Scottish bagpipes were popping up at Palestinian and Hezbollah rallies. The only answer I could come up with was some sort of historical identification with the Scottish fight for independence against the English -- but that seemed to be stretching plausibility. And then I read what commenter "mo" had to say:

the myth that the bagpipes are of Scottish origin is as old as it is wrong. The Scots were introduced to the bagpipe by the Romans, who in turn were introduced to it in the Middle East. In fact, the bagpipe, whose origins can probably never be accurately placed, is believed to have been first used (invented?) in either Iraq or Syria.

Therefore the Arab claim to the bagpipes is far older and more apt than the clansman of the highlands and not so wrong for a Palestinian demonstration or Hizballah video. :)

Well, cool! Hummus, debka, and now bagpipes -- what's not to like about this part of the world?