Dee - be nice if things were so simple.

I take your point about some twisting themselves into knots trying to defend the indefensible, but I don't see any people here defending the sheikh. Before I continue, it would appear it's necessary for me to point out I think his comments were dumb, and I certainly don't agree with them. In fact, I don't think the other posters are either, though perhaps that would make it easier to argue with them...

Now. On to weightier matters.
Your post said that muslim countries are "hellholes because they follow a 7th century desert religion."

Few points here - I'll acknowledge that a disproportionate number of muslim nations are oppressive to their people, though I rather suspect that those hailing from Turkey would be a little peeved to be grouped in there. In my view, the Ottoman empire was incredibly enlightened for its time. Rather interesting in that it embraced secular government despite accepting religious views.
Something a few Australian politicians could learn from. Also, I'm not sure they had much choice in being a desert religion. And how does the desert bear relevance? Never mind. Anyhow...

"Saudi Arabia has billions in oil money but has not done one thing to improve the lives of fellow Muslims"

Couldn't agree more. Nasty government that one, with plenty of human rights abuses. In fact, having spawned most of the 9/11 bombers, it's also a haven for terrorists.
A much better target for bombing than Iraq... yet we chose to invade an anti Al-Qaeda state. Yeah, saddam was nasty, but so's Saudi Arabia...

Yet we chose Iraq. Bit hypocritical innit? Perhaps it's choices like these that have muslim's questioning western motivations.

Just saying there's more important issues out there. Perhaps we should think about them instead of some dopey sheikh.

So, turnleft&right,

I dont condone this thing but if Mecca, Madina are nuked as part of revenge attacks, what will happen?

fleurette

I understand what you are saying, particularly when you compare with Cardinal George Pell. But he is home grown and part of the establishment therefore we can and do laugh at him.

Religious minorities, even those who like the Jews arrived with the First Fleet, or the Chinese who arrived later have all learnt to respect the majority. Sir Isaac Isaacs and Sir John Monash would have been more careful than the elderly Cardinal even though they occupied more important positions and were held higher in the public esteem.

Muslims leaders here must learn patience and build bridges to be accepted. Australia is little different from any other society and more tolerant than most.

How would a Catholic priest or a Rabbi be greeted in Saudi Arabia or Syria if they were as tactless about Muslim society as the Sheik was about ours? And please rednecks do not misquote me here.

fleurette,
Why do you excuse and support the Sheik for his ratbag statements while you claim Cardinal George Pell makes the same stupid statements. Double standards on your part blinkered by religious bias don't you agree. Where is George Pell seeking the overthrow of Western democracy and personal choice in dress sense? Please give us some URL links!

"Cardinal George Pell does the same thing almost every week in his column. He offends everyone with his stupid views. He’s even gone so far as to say that women should be in the home, in the kitchen, having babies – where they belong."

fleurette didn't excuse and support the Sheik for his statements - on the contrary she opposed them, but suggests we should make less fuss over them given that we ignore statements in a similar vein by an elderly Christian cleric.

Flurette is correct about one thing.

Newscorp is without doubt embarking on a calculated campaign to marginalize Muslims through the linking and timing of various stories, which, when you dig a bit deeper are nothing more than typical ratbag Islamic teaching current at any time.

I scan the following papers each morning.
Daily Telegraph (newscorp)
Sydney Morning Herald
The Age
The Australian (Newscorp)
Herald Sun (Newscorp)

Similar stories in the Age and SMH (leftish/Fairfax) are usually played down.

Things have become so tense for the average Muslim even in Melbourne that a father and son who go to my gym, asked me about self defense.
I gave them both a quick lesson on the spot.

Its such a pity that many truly lovable people (personality) are being hurt by such campaigns.

I support the idea of exposing the nature of Islam, but I focus on the behavior and character of their prophet, and that is where it all starts. The way the media is going about it, is clearly (surprise surprise) to sell papers and advertising.

Dee brought up an important point about the favorite wife of Mohammed not wearing any veil... so it raises the question 'why' do Muslim women do it today ? Its certainly not 'Islamic'..... so they cannot say "It is a sign of my respect for God"

The NewsCorp campaign in particular will simply create social tension, rather than re-shape policy which is more important (immigration and education) though, I suppose it might also impact there due to popular outrage. Sad though, many will be hurt in the process.