Tue 7 Feb 2006
Yesterday, I wandered over to Achrafiyeh and looked around. It seemed very quiet out, though a lot of people were slowing in their cars as they passed the embassy in order to have a look. According to news reports, the embassy itself sustained no damage- it was really only the first 3 floors that were gutted. $18 million in damage and whole (Lebanese) businesses wiped out.
I watched some men repair the gate to a Greek Orthodox church; I think the cross which topped it had been torn down and the guard booth next to it had been smashed and battered. I read a lot of blogs written by people here in Lebanon. The writers were universally horrified, and several of them claimed to have gone out to buy Danish products.
In case anyone is interested, I found this site which shows many instances of Mohammed depicted in art throughout the ages. I think it goes without saying that much of the current uproar has little to do with the cartoons themselves.
February 7th, 2006 at 11:08 pm
What do you think about Iran’s response?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/07/AR2006020700159.html
February 8th, 2006 at 12:37 am
I think it’s absurd. I also think it was absurd for the Danish paper to print such crap, absurd for other European papers to reprint it in the name of free speech, and absurd that there are mobs of people burning embassies over any of it.
How ’bout you?
February 8th, 2006 at 4:33 am
I think it is unfortunate that our choices at this point seem to be “we’re going to riot” or “we’re going to stoop to your level.”
I really found that website you linked to in your post very useful, though. I certainly agree that this reaction is not just about depicting the prophet in an offensive manner.
Basically, all I can really say is “YaAllah.”
February 9th, 2006 at 4:36 am
I think it is people looking for an excuse to act out. Kind of like the Newsweek article about someone destroying a copy of the Quran. Some burn American flags, Bush in effigy, etc., more power to them. I don’t care. The next excuse will be some joke that John Stewart tells about Jesus or Mohammed.
February 10th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Satire is the essence of political cartoons. Depicting Mohammed as a terrorist is meant to insult those who kill in the name of Allah, it is not a slap against all Muslims or even Mohammed. Only those who feel justified in killing for Islam should be pissed off; the ‘joke’ was at there expense. These violent nuts should learn satire and grow up.
February 11th, 2006 at 3:31 am
but, nathan. there is a difference between freedom of expression and free speech. the cartoonist has a responsibility to his thought/ art but the papers have a responsibility to consequences. in my opinion the decision(s) to print the cartoons are not helpful in the promotion of peace and coexistence.
February 12th, 2006 at 3:57 am
The cartoons didn’t cause the violence. It was a maniuplation by cynical people. Who knew 4 months ago that some people will try to enrage crowds with something so trivial?