Tuesday, January 31, 2006

The ongoing furore over the cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad

Like any powerful storm, it shows no sign of abating! Yet more proof that the Islamic world and the West are totally incompatible.

This is a storm over cartoons published by Jyllands-Posten depicting the Prophet Muhammad. This is, after all, supposed to be the free and democratic West!

Arla Foods has been badly hit by the storm, since there is a total boycott of its products. Its sales in the Middle East have come to a standstill.

In the meantime, Jyllands-Posten has published an “Open letter to fellow Muslim citizens”, in the hope of stemming the rising anger. In addition, the Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen has made an official statement concerning the publication of the cartoons, and the Ambassador of Denmark [to Saudi Arabia] confirms his country's respect to religions.

It is interesting to note Turkey's stance on the matter, especially in view of its hope to join the EU. This from Turkish Weekly.

A round-up of what some of the other newspapers have to say on the matter:

Arab News: Imams Back Call for Danish Boycott in Cartoons Row

Arab News: Arab FMs Slam Denmark Over Prophet Muhammad Cartoon

The BBC: Nordic firm hit by Arab boycott

The Times: Danish imams relent on Muhammad cartoons

The Times: Denmark faces international boycott over Muslim cartoons

The Telegraph: Danes face fury over cartoons of Prophet

Die Neue Zürcher Zeitung: Entschuldigung aus Dänemark für Mohammed-Karikaturen

UN to Investigate Jyllands-Posten ‘Racism’

Bill Clinton in Qatar condemned “these totally outrageous cartoons against Islam”.

For those of you who want to have a taste of what all the fuss is about, click here to see one of the controversial cartoons of Muhammad.

©Mark Alexander

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been following this story for months now. This newest uproar is because of a small Norwegian paper recently ran the cartoons.

little green footballs posted this link last night:

Depictions of Mohammed Throughout History


If you scroll down the page you will see pictures of Mohammed purchased by a Norwegian professor in Ohm, Iran in 1999? How can this be ok for them to make and sell them, but no one else? Can you explain this?

Anyone who would like to support Denmark's right to freedom of speech should purchase their products since they are losing millions from the muslim boycott.
Here is one link:

"BUY DANISH" ASK MY DANISH FRIENDS/ UPDATE

Mark said...

Heather:

The "Depictions of Mohammed Throughout History" I have already got up there as a link under "Mohammed Image Archive". I followed the link on 'Little Green Footballs' this morning. Please take a look at the link. You'll find it on the right with all the rest of them.

You ask:"How it can be ok for them to make and sell them, but no one else?"

They might be particularly offended because we are infidels, or kufar, whereas they are the chosen people, or so they think. I suppose he is, after all, their prophet. (Thank God!)

But I think there is more to this than that. It is my opinion that they are becoming increasingly aware of their power. Islam, as we know, is on the rise. Petrodollars have emboldened them greatly.

Coupled with this, they are seeing that the West is looking increasingly weak. We are, after all, much weaker than we were, because we have been weakened by the lack of strong leadership, by political correctness, by multiculturalism, and by extreme liberalism (and much else besides). As we have become weaker in their eyes, they have feel stronger and more empowered. Don't forget: In anything, as one side gets weaker, the other side gets relatively stronger. By definition.

They are using this strength to push their weight around. They are using the weapon of oil to powerful advantage, too. Western leaders should have the strength to draw a line in the sand and say thus far, but no further; but, sadly, they seem to lack that strength and resolve. Everyone these days is pandering to the Muslims, to the Muslim vote in the West, and to the Muslims in the Middle East and elsewhere. They also sense that Westerners are afraid of a confrontation with the Islamic world.

From my experience, Muslims understand one thing, and one thing only: strength! It's high time we found ours.

Anyone who would like to support Denmark's right to freedom of speech should purchase their products since they are losing millions from the muslim boycott.

I agree, Heather. And to this end, I tried to place this link up - in red - with all the others. But for some inexplicable reason, I can't get it to work. I shall, however, try and put it up later. Maybe there's something wrong with their server, or something.

Mark said...

Heather:

Please take a look at the links to "Buy Danish" I have placed up there on the left-hand side. Hope you're happy.

cybercrusader said...

"Bill Clinton in Qatar condemned 'these totally outrageous cartoons against Islam'."

I find this hilarious. Didn't Bill let OBL get away? What gives him the temerity to criticize the Danes? Seems to me that he "blew it" big time and is now trying to divert attention from his incompetence by "throwing stones" at others.

Anonymous said...

Mark,
I never saw the link--I guess I always ignore that part of any blog I'm reading. You have some very interesting links.

Thanks so much for posting the link to support Danish products. I think it is a chance for the West to say loud and clear, we aren't going to put up with their (Islamists) insane hatred and mindless threats.

Mark said...

Heather:

You're welcome! I hope the links do some good.

I think it is a chance for the West to say loud and clear, we aren't going to put up with their (Islamists) insane hatred and mindless threats.

Here! Here!

Mark said...

Ouzian:

I'm glad to hear that you support Danish freedom of speech. What we need to do is support freedom of speech in the West, for if the Danes lose it, we all lose it.

You said in a different post that you had been raised as a Muslim and knew just how deep into the subconscious Islamic messages can go. Am I therefore to assume that you have left the faith? Have you seen the light, so to speak?

Mark said...

Good for you! So glad to learn you had the courage to do that. It couldn't have been easy for you, especially with your family. I hope you are safe.

I'm sure you feel much better now that you have nothing to constrain your thoughts and actions.

You're always welcome here on this website. I hope you will keep coming back to give us the benefit of your experience with this religion.