Double Standards

[Philadelphia Eagle]

There has been a predictable violent reaction in several countries - notably Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq to the recent 'Newsweek' article concerning the alleged abuse of a copy of the Koran by U.S military personnel during questioning of terrorist suspects. The article was later found to be inaccuate and 'Newsweek has withdrawn it and published a retraction.

The violent protesters have, nevertheless, caused the deaths of dozens of people as well as damaging property.

Do they ever stop to wonder how a copy of the Koran got into the suspect's room in the first place? It was placed there by U.S. military authorities, as they place a copy of the Koran in each muslim suspect's room, being sensitive to the person's religious beliefs. Imagine if the situation were reversed and an American prisoner having a copy of the Bible in his or her room! I don't think so.

Consider further that muslim insurgents in several countries are bombing, firing upon and generally destroying mosques and other holy places of their religion without as much as a murmur of protest from the fanatical hordes.

Of course, we know that the 'Newsweek' incident was simply an excuse to mount anti-American protests and this type of person will seize upon any opportunity.

It seems to me that the muslim communities here in America, which are overwhelming law abiding and peaceful, are missing a great opportunity by not condemning the extremists in the Mid-East more vociferously.

At least, if they have, it seems to have escaped my attention.

[john8pies]

Sadly, the `free` world or `civilised` world will always be at a disadvantage media-wise when dealing with an enemy or opponent it refers to or considers to be `savage`. For example, when do you last recall a British or American soldier last beheading an Iraqi prisoner? Quite