The outcry in certain muslim communities related to the Pope's speech in Regensburg (translation from the Vatican website here), Germany, and the discussion around his subsequent "apology" (in the Washington Post here) are really upsetting. Remarks taken out of context can be used to whip up such a furor in the muslim population, that even the Pope has to go on record with an explanation. I can see where this is going: in the end we will all auto-censure ourselves in order not to ruffle muslim sensibilities, and free speech in our culture will thus be reduced to what it is in the muslim culture. And as of yet no sign of reciprocities. The abuse poured onto christians and jews in many friday sermons in muslim countries and in European countries with a strong immigrant population calls for no action, apology or even sanction by governments or leaders. If the muslim world insists on their sensibilities being respected, when are they going to start policing what the extremists are saying about other cultures and religions ? What has happened to fair dealings and level playing fields ? Unless the silent majority in the islamic world actually make a stand somewhere, it is going to be increasingly difficult to get a dialogue going.
You nailed it.
Posted by: FTM | September 18, 2006 at 04:05 PM