Controversy rages

Writing in Al Rai newspaper (Jordan), Dr Mohammad Naji Amayera says, "Until recently, things were going the right way: peaceful marches, demonstrations, official condemnation, and a boycott spanning the Middle East with some governments calling back their ambassadors from Denmark in protest over the cartoons. But what wasn't expected was the reaction that led to attacks on churches, as was the case in Lebanon and even Iraq".

Amayera argues this behaviour worsens the already fragile situation and increases friction. He adds, "In fact, this kind of action only helps Western politicians" and has ultimately caused more harm to Islam than the actual cartoons.

Ahmad Al Rabei from Asharq Al Awsat (UK) agrees. He writes, "The worst thing for an individual to face is to have his case defended by incompetent representatives, especially if it is to defend the noblest man of all, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Al Rabei says this was exactly what happened when some Muslims reacted violently. He asks, "What was the significance of burning a Danish flag in the West Bank?" Especially given that the Danes have cared for the sick and helped the needy children from the region. Al Rabei argues that in the Arab world, people seem to be suffering from "totalitarianism and generalisation".

On the other hand, Abdullah Al Amadi of Al Watan newspaper (Oman) says, "It has been said that the West has no right to interfere with what we deem sacred under any circumstances. If their morals are so removed from their religion, it is their decision and we Muslims should have nothing to do with it. But they [the Westerners] have no right to force others to copy their lifestyle."

He alludes to the idea that the West has attempted to influence the way of life of people in other parts of the world, causing the new generation to suffer a level of hesitation and confusion.

"These are semi-organised attacks coming from Europe through many means. The fact that numerous other Western countries re-published these offensive cartoons demonstrates their teamwork and effort ? They move as a single organ". Al Amadi calls on Muslims to reciprocate and also be united in their reaction.

Dr Ali Al Ghafli of Al Khaleej newspaper (UAE) writes, "Whether or not the Danish newspaper apologises, the crime committed against the Muslim faith is unforgivable." According to Al Ghafi, the message shown in these caricatures is clear and constitutes a loaded attack on Islam, a faith that has over a billion followers.

Moreover, he adds, if the saying "a picture is worth more than a thousand words" bears any credibility, then Muslims ought to realise that these images represent how the West views Islam and Muslims. To the extent that, nowadays, people with "this mindset no longer feel the need to show any hesitation before expressing their aggressive views".

Wisam Sa'ada from Al Safeer newspaper (Lebanon) tackles the concept of "clash of civilisations". He calls this theory "confused" and says it has no colour or taste.

He says this concept has negative connotations as it is aggressive and violent. Sa'ada cautions that a civilisation should never question a people's right to "make their own decisions" or live their lives in a certain way.