When cultures collide

The publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad is deepening the divide between Islam and the West. The controversial cartoons have spurred a domino of violence all over the Islamic countries. What do these conflicts imply after all?

This issue reflects the lack of religious sensitivities and respect of Muslims in some European countries. I still don't understand why in the first place the Danish newspaper published the cartoons and under what context that made the publication necessary. Does the publication of these cartoons serve as a token demonstrating the freedom of speech enjoyed by most ‘civilized’ Western countries? Or is it merely a travesty of the conservative Muslims?

Why do Muslims react so vigorously? Personally, I think the controversial cartoons are only a catalyst that sparks off the underlying distrust and hatred between the Islamic and Western worlds especially after the US invasion of Iraq. The deepening divide between Islam and the West is the seed of global unrest in the years to come. Muslims have the right to express their anger over the publication of cartoons but it doesn’t mean it can only be done in a violent way. Any violence done by religion extremists in the name of ‘blasphemy’ will only deter rational discussion among all parties concerned, which is a more proper and well accepted way of dealing with religious conflicts.

The cultural conflicts stem from the value difference between the Islamic and Western worlds. The importance of freedom of speech and women’s rights, most valued in Western countries, is dwarfed by the tradition of Islamic culture. A better mutual understanding from both sides is the key to resolving the conflicts. Would the leaders from the Western and Islamic worlds have the courage and commitment to open the avenue for dialogue and cultural interflow? At present political atmosphere, the chance is so slim especially after the 9/11 terror attack and American military operation in Afhganistan and Iraq. The future of world peace is gloomy unless there is a radical change in the mindset of leaders on both sides.

For commentary from Economist on 'Cartoons War', please refer to the following link
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5494602

Please refer to my wife's web-blog for in-depth analysis
http://poonmf.blogspot.com
Dated February 21, 2006 'Clash of Civilisation'

Muslims in new cartoon protests fromBBC news
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4675462.stm