As predicted here, what has been almost entirely lost in the discussion is the fact that Muslims have the free will to restrain themselves when offended, if they so choose.
Even the headline below takes the automatic, violent reaction of Muslims for granted — simple cause and effect — thereby tacitly excusing them from responsibility after being “provoked.”
For which other group would such behavior be accepted as normal, as a logical and inevitable response? Fill in the blanks. Mix and match as you like. “__________ go on rampage after two preachers of the __________ faith burn their holy book, the __________, 20 dead.”
Muslims ought to be insulted at the low expectations for them, and embarrassed by their co-religionists who are also burning utterly, completely, obviously unaffiliated churches in Pakistan over Jones’ and Sapp’s burning of the Qur’an. But of course, they’re getting the better part of that double standard.
We should see at least equal Muslim outrage to those opportunistic “revenge” attacks on non-Muslims, true hate crimes that they are. But don’t bet the farm on it. At least not in Afghanistan or Pakistan, where it may yet be burned down and seized by an enraged mob.
“Two beheaded, 20 dead in Afghan clash after U.S. preacher burns Koran,” by Mohammad Bashir for the Associated Press, April 1:
Afghan protesters angered by the burning of a Koran by an obscure U.S. pastor killed up to 20 UN staff, beheading two foreigners, when they overran a compound in a normally peaceful northern city on Friday in the worst-ever attack on the UN in Afghanistan.
At least eight foreigners were among the dead after attackers took out security guards, burned parts of the compound and climbed up blast walls to topple a guard tower, said Lal Mohammad Ahmadzai, a police spokesman for the northern region.
Five protesters were also killed and around 20 wounded.
The governor of Balkh province said insurgents had used the march as cover to attack the compound, in a battle that raged for several hours and raises serious questions about plans to make the city a pilot for security transfer to national forces.
“The insurgents have taken advantage of the situation to attack the UN compound,” said Governor Ata Mohammad Noor.
He told a news conference that many in the crowd of protesters had been carrying guns. Almost 30 people have already been detained over the attack, he added.
Afghan police and army, who the United Nations rely on for their first line of defence, were apparently unable to control the crowd. German troops are also stationed in Balkh, and the NATO-led coalition said they had received a request for help.
“Apparently unable to control the crowd.” You’ll understand if we’re skeptical.
“Eight foreigners were killed, and two were beheaded,” Ahmadzai said.