Recently a Dutch newspaper published a series of cartoons that was deemed offensive by Muslims. Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten originally published the cartoons last year. Among the cartoons published in the Danish paper, one showed Muhammad wearing a turban shaped as a bomb with a burning fuse. Since their initial publication, a firestorm of criticism has swirled around the Danes. Arab leaders have called on the Danish government to censor the paper and punish the cartoons creators, thus highlighting their attitudes regarding free speech.

There have been riots both in Denmark and throughout the Muslim world, not to mention efforts to boycott Danish exports. Saudi Arabia and Libya have even recalled their ambassadors to Denmark. One must ask, how many times have Imams, Mullahs, Clerics, political leaders and news agencies speaking on their behalf denigrated the images and the memories of the spiritual leaders of other faiths? Countless time s have we heard of affronts to Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc…Indeed, through the Muslim world, the mere suggestion of tolerance and coexistence is met with an icy stair, yet tolerance is demanded of Islam? What’s good enough for the goose is good for the gander.

In an uncharacteristic act of defiance, papers in France and Germany have reprinted the controversial cartoons, arguing (correctly) that one of the fundamental characteristics of a free society is one in which even religion can be criticized or portrayed in a satirical manner. This unusual show of backbone by the Europeans perhaps reflects a growing unease with Islam throughout Europe. Or perhaps they were simply hoping to attract more readers. Were the cartoons offensive to Muslims? Perhaps. Did the paper have a right to publish them without threat of violence? Most assuredly! The fact that these Arab governments react in this manner underscores a lack of commitment to the principles of representative government.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Prophet_Drawings.html