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February 08, 2006

Another chapter in the history of violence

CNN is currently running an article "Bush urges end to cartoon violence." I know what the headline means. I know that this is an extremely serious situation. Yet part of me thinks the title for this is funny. Funny in a bleak way, I guess.

I understand why these political cartoons would incite anger, but this tsunami of riots and mob violence across the Muslim world is a frightening response. Frightening - and childish.

It does not help their case in the eyes of the Western world to be seen as emotional, irrational, perhaps even savage and uncivilized. Their anger may be justified, but lashing out like this makes it difficult for non-Muslims to take their concerns seriously, except as forces to be contained, to be kept at bay. Which isn't much of a solution, either.

I find it hard to see the value in a religion that inspires people to wreak havoc in the world, to persuade others of the rightness of their beliefs, to force others to submit to their will, through violence and the fear of violence. Religious fundamentalism, no matter its origin, demands submission, refuses compromise, and denies the merit of anything that does not fit into its particular world view.

I do not say that all Muslims are like this, I know that isn't true. But when I read the news, it's hard not to believe otherwise.