It would not be quite fair to go about and say that Islam is the one to blame for what has been going on in the Middle East for the longest time. And I am saying that because what they have is just a religion and though they are bound to change and pattern their choices to what their religion dictates them, it would not be that easy to make things do. And quite frankly, it is a bitter judgment coming from people on the outside.

Islam’s inability to accept criticising or lampooning does not indicate a healthy or sustainable religion. It seems unable to adjust to any changes to society or the attitudes of its youth. It seems to be locked into a keep the doors closed time warp much the same as Christians of the fourteenth century were. Any one who questioned the logic of the church and its teachings at that time was charged with heresy. Galileo was cautious to veil his discoveries and theory’s but went very close to being labelled a heretic. Being charged with heresy and then being purged with fire does not invite much free thought. Islam’s views on women’s rights, public stoning and praying five times a day etc does not do much for free thought either.

And here is another symptom/ manifestation -- in our own backyard.
Not the actual beating, that happens in all communities but the response or lack of it:

“Muslim leader Abdul-Rahman, who featured at Kevin Rudd's 2020 Summit in 2008 and has been a fighter for justice in western Sydney, was charged with assaulting his wife on February 6…MRS ABDUL-RAHMAN HAS REFUSED TO MAKE A FORMAL STATEMENT AFTER SPEAKING TO HER MOSQUE’S SHIEK AND TO HER FAMILY MEMBERS, court documents said. Police have made several further unsuccessful approaches to Mrs Abdul-Rahman.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-news/youth-leader-fadi-abdul-rahman-on-bashing-charges/story-fn7y9brv-1226419719227

If anyone doubts that Islam is an enemy of democracy they should see this video and text of a speech by noted Arabist Hans Jansen--the subject is Sharia "law" and its toxic effects. You will need to scroll down.

http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com.au/