«This joke» is, according to the IraqSlogger website (the new endeavor by illustrious former CNN-er Eason Jordan), making the rounds in Baghdad:

‘A driver is stuck in a traffic jam on the highway. Suddenly a man knocks on his window. The driver rolls down his window and asks, “What’s going on?”
“Terrorists down the road have kidnapped [the Boy Emperor] and [the Boy Emperor’s Minder],” the man says, “They’re asking $100 million ransom. Otherwise they’re going to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We’re going from car to car taking up a collection.”
‘The driver asks, “How much is everyone giving on average?”
‘The man responds: “Most people are giving about a gallon.”’
—IraqSlogger

Just in case repeating this one might earn me a visit from the O.S.S., I repeat that IraqSlogger wrote it, not me. The sentiments expressed are not necessarily my own.