boycotts of Danish goods in middle East!

**JPaul** · 02-03-2006, 06:12 PM

Oh it's OK to abuse other people's country, burn their flag etc.

It's just when a newspaper prints a cartoon they don't approve of that you cut of diplomatic links and attack their economy.

Everyone knows that.

**vidcc** · 02-03-2006, 06:42 PM

If it doesn't say danish down the side..........................

**maebach** · 02-03-2006, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by JPaul

Oh it's OK to abuse other people's country, burn their flag etc.

It's just when a newspaper prints a cartoon they don't approve of that you cut of diplomatic links and attack their economy.

Everyone knows that.

how could I forget

**Biggles** · 02-03-2006, 07:19 PM

There was a rather thoughtful letter in the Glasgow Herald today from Osama Saeed (a prominant Scottish Muslim). He went at lengths to explain that culturally it is shocking to Muslims to see depictions of the prophet. However, his view is that the issue has been hi-jacked by specific political interests rather than religious ones and referred to the Saudi input as being from that "rancid dictatorship".

I think he is largely right. The West does not have the cultural equipment to see why these pictures could be disturbing. To Western eyes they are very mild satire indeed. However, I also understand that many in the ME who have seen these pictures do appreciate that they are not particularly nasty nor are they saying that the Prophet condones terrorism. In Jordan, one of their newspapers has shown the pictures and called for tolerance and reflection.

However, terrorists in the ME do say the Prophet condones terrorism and the beheading of civilians. Consequently, the link between bombs and religion is of their own making and unsurprisingly makes religion a legitimate target for political satire in the West.

There is too much ambivilence in the ME towards acts of terrorism to give the West a clear lead on whether Islam is or is not linked to terrorism. In Iraq for instance, the attacks against UK and US troops are understandable if unpleasant. However, the logic behind blowing up Shia children by Sunni bombers is completely beyond me. While this continues to be the case issues like this will arise again and again.

With regards the boycott of European goods, the ME is free to buy what it likes from where it likes. However, I am intrigued by the situation in Palestine as the EU is the biggest contributer to the Palestinian State at about $750m a year. Presumably, they no longer want our money.

I wonder how many of those protesting really know what the pictures look like and what the issues being addressed are. It seems they are more concerned about wanting to be offended by the West than actually caring about a resolution.

**maebach** · 02-03-2006, 08:06 PM

are you saying we should try to be more understanding to how they feel?

I agree with you on the part about them not caring about a resolution. What are the politicians doing about this (ME)? Wouldn't they care how their citizens are acting against a trading partner? This kind of reminds me about the riots in Paris.

**thewizeard** · 02-03-2006, 08:25 PM

Nevertheless, I do feel that "Dartagnan" feeling rising in me. Next we will be told that our girls and women will have to wear those things on their heads, what do they call them...hijabs?

Europe's problems are beginning to accumulate though, what with us thinking of cutting off funds to the Palastine's Hamas and Iran withdrawing their capital and investments from Europe.

**ahctlucabbuS** · 02-03-2006, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Biggles

In Jordan, one of their newspapers has shown the pictures and called for tolerance and reflection.

I believe the guy responsible for that view were later sacked!

**Busyman** · 02-03-2006, 10:25 PM

FUCK THEM!

As I said, their thinking is screwed. They blame an entire nation on the acts of one to some.

They kill other Muslims..so their rationale for getting pissed at us is screwed.
Talk about getting offended, what about flag burning?
They need to stop worshipping a prophet...their own religion says he's just a prophet.