September 14, 2006

Cartoon Jihad Redux? Pope's Islam Remarks Stir Muslim Anger

At a speech in Germany on Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI said that Islamic holy war was "against God's nature," and invited Muslims to join in a peaceful cultural dialogue. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. But Muslims, as they are known to become from time to time, are outraged, and by this comment in particular (courtesy of the Toronto Star):

Citing historic Christian commentary on holy war and forced conversion, the Pope quoted from a 14th-century Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologos.

"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," the Pope said. "He said, I quote, `Show me just what (Islamic Prophet) Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'"

Clearly aware of the topic's sensitivity, he added, "I quote," twice before pronouncing the phrases on Islam, while neither explicitly agreeing with nor repudiating them. "The emperor goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable,'' he said.

And away we go with the predictable irrational Muslim reponse. A politician in Pakistan says Benedict's comments showed his "ignorance" about Islam. The BBC reports that the Pope's remarks are also stirring anger among Muslims in Turkey and India. It will be interesting to see how this all develops in the coming days. Will Muslims worldwide use the Pope's comments (which were correct, by the way), as an excuse to rampage violently through the streets like they did during the infamous cartoon riots last winter? Stay tuned. In the meantime, Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch sums it up:

"...Indian officials are trying to keep word from getting out in Jammu and Kashmir about the Pope's remarks -- because they fear a violent response. OK, so let me get this straight: the Pope says that jihad violence is against God's nature, and officials fear that in response, Muslims enraged by this insult will commit...jihad violence."

Yes, it all makes perfect sense.

 

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