An Old Arab

An old Arab lived close to New York City for over 40 years. He would have loved to plant potatoes in his garden, but is too old to dig it up. His son is in college in Paris, so the old man sends him an email:

"Beloved son,
I am very sad because I can't plant potatoes in my garden. I am sure, if only you were here, you would help and dig up the garden for me.
I love you, Your Father."

The following day, the old man receives a reply from his son:

"Beloved Father,
Please don't touch the garden.
It's there that I have hidden 'the THING.'
I love you too, Ahmed."

At 4pm the US Army, the Marines, the FBI, the CIA, and the Rangers visit the house of the old man, take the whole garden apart, search every inch, but can't find anything. Disappointed, they leave the house.

A day later, the old man receives another email from his son:

"Beloved Father,
I hope the garden is dug up by now and you can plant your potatoes.
That's all I could do for you from here.
I love you, Ahmed."