Irfan, the inclusion of honesty and self-criticism in your article are two rare and essential ingredients in restoring a social fabric that history, sadly, has witnessed being ripped asunder.

That there are postings here that throw it back in your face exemplify the struggle that these two things have to overcome to survive and reach a potential that too many people cannot even imagine.

I am not a fan of Islam, though I know little of it other than the situations you put forward yourself in your article, but I am impressed by someone with the courage of their convictions in the face of a misguided fundamentalist groundswell of such prodigious proportions.

It is said that truth is the first casualty of any conflict. With this type of honesty and self-criticism, truth need not be a casualty at all.

People of all faiths could do a lot worse than take a leaf out of your book.

Thanks.

I thought I would draw readers' attention to an article we published on September 5, 2005 called "Making fun of Islam" by Jan Martel. It may be of interest to some readers in view of the recent controversy. You can read it here. http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=169
I have also added the link to the bottom of Irfan's article.
Regards
Susan Prior - editor

I think Tim Blair got it about right when he said:

>"Odd that this concern over maintaining the peace doesn't limit Muslim commentary on other religions or communities," Mr Blair said on his website.

"The Islamic Bookstore in Lakemba, for example, sells vicious anti-Semitic tract The Protocols of the Elders of Zion as well as various anti-Christian titles (Crucifixion or Cruci-FICTION?).

"Sheik Khalid Yasin, a regular guest lecturer in Australia, declared that there's no such thing as a Muslim having a non-Muslim friend and denounced modern clothes as the work of faggots, homosexuals and lesbians."<

While muslims demand we respect their narcissistic version of iconocentrism, they, through the agency of the Taliban destroy other people's icons such as the Buddha statues in Bamiyan. Barely a ripple was felt in the 'moderate' muslim world when those Buddhas came crashing down.

Would it be more acceptable if these cartoons were sold at the Islamic Development Centre of Australia (today's oxymoron) bookshop at Auburn. Why not say that they are the drawings of some new religious sect? All sorts of aberrant behaviours can be hidden behind a religious facade.

What is that word that our leaders implore us to use when confronted by tough issues. Oh, that's right. The word is tolerance. It must only be used by the citizens of the host nation when dealing with the sensitivities of other groups. Those other groups don't have to use the word.

Wooow, Hang on here a minute.
Now this is interesting news, and not a surprise. It was not the pictures published, But the Pictures produced BY ?:
Sorry, you have to read the link. And don’t be surprised, I think you know the answer already.

http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/668

Irfan

Thank you for a well balanced article. Your leaders should be speaking out as you have.

Cheers
Kay

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/rnr/131313794.html

This website tells of the multiple atrocities done by Muslims all over and not one word has been said against them,but one cartoon of Allah who is dead is causing mayhem and trouble worldwide.

Muslims can go on tv and show them beheading Christians and other non muslims who are laughing ,dancing,and celebrating western deaths and torture,.

Is this the what the god of Islam (AllaH) wanted ?
Is this the love as Jesus Christ The Son of God told us to do to one another who is alive today and sits at the right hand of God The Father making intercession for all mankind..
Is God happy about the torture?