Commentary; Posted: 3/8/06
The Mideast: An Uneven Playing Field
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
The publication of cartoons depicting Mohammed, the founder of the Islamic faith, originally in Danish newspapers, had caused a furor in the Mideast.
Islamic people there believe it is sacrilegious to portray the likeness of their prophet in pictures or sketches.
The resulting protests have intensified the violence that has marked this part of the world and threatened efforts to bring democracy and stability there.
The phrase, ìan uneven playing field,î is a figure of speech from the realm of sports and describes what is perceived to be an unfair advantage for an individual or team in a competitive event.
It applies to the reaction to the cartoons, in particular to the interpretation of the meaning of freedom of expression.
The strong reaction in Islamic countries to the cartoons has exposed what we in the western world have long known, that militant Islamists want the rules of international relations to be tilted to their advantage.
At the same time they fiercely oppose our freedom of the press and other democratic concepts, they expect Islamic groups among us to enjoy the freedoms of our culture.
Danes have been threatened, and have had to close their embassies in Moslem countries.
In Britain an Islamic protester to the cartoons held a sign saying ìFreedom Go To Hell,î and another, ìBehead Those Who Insult Islam.î
A peaceful protest was held in Minneapolis recently by Muslims, but our reactions to the violence would not be permitted in the countries from which they have come.
This is an uneven playing field.
The offensive cartoons were published six months ago, but have just recently been used to inflame Muslims around the world.
One may regret the insensitivity of the press in their publication, but at the same time be shocked by the expressions of hate that have been unleashed.
Muslim demonstrations are an indication of something deeper than opposition to our freedoms.
Clifford May, a columnist for the Scripps Howard News Service quoted in an article last month in the Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote: ìBy now, all but the most self-deluded among us recognize that militant Islamic extremists are waging a War Against the West, a deadly jihad against Christians, Jews, Hindus and moderate Muslims...The militant Muslims are not demanding equality. They are demanding superiority.î
The Al-Qaida commander in Iraq has declared: ìKilling the infidels is our religion, slaughtering them is our religion, until they convert to Islam or pay us tribute.î
The writer recalls during his Navy chaplaincy training in WWII he was told that if his ship made port in an Islamic country and he went ashore, he should cover up the crosses on his uniform to prevent a knife in his back.
A further reason for the strong reaction to the cartoons is that Muslim, and particularly Arab governments, are seeking to cover up their own corrupt regimes.
Syria has been involved in the assassination of a Lebanese leader and Iran in a nuclear weapons program, and they are attempting to deflect attention.
Moderate Muslims are reluctant to speak out against the radical elements in their religion or nation, fearing retribution.
Attempts to defuse the crisis, both by peace seeking moderates and concerned western countries, have been rebuffed.
May, in the above reference says, ìThe damage these demonstrators are doing to the image of Islam is incalculable...so why are they doing it? Machiavelli provided the answer more than 500 years ago. For those who would rule it is better to be feared than loved.íî
How do we deal with this dangerous situation? We can challenge the press to greater responsibility in handling sensitive religious issues.
There is a large immigration to the west from Muslim countries by those who wish to enjoy our freedom (but no corresponding emigration to the mideast).
We can encourage their assimilation and hope to show their choice was a good one.
Scandinavian humanitarian organizations are ending their aid to victims of last yearís devastating tsunami and earthquake disaster, saying the safety of their relief workers has been jeopardized by the rioters protesting the cartoons.
The cessation of relief efforts, plus the threat of sanctions by other nations, may decrease the attacks of the extremists.
An Iranian official in late February called for an end to violent protests over cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, and his call may indicate a change in the stand of his government and the other radicals.
ìMight makes rightî is in conflict with the Judeo-Christian concept that ultimately ìright makes might,î and that we perceive this ultimately a spiritual battle.
The terrorists may understand this conflict better than we in the western world.
We need to be aware of the spiritual nature of this issue, and to pray for greater faith and stronger resolve in dealing with it, always in a redemptive way.
As Abraham Lincoln said, we should not be as concerned whether God is on our side as we are that we are on His side.
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