Protesting About Protestors

I read that the main problem in US politics is that the hysterical voices hold sway, whilst the cool calm voices are unheard. A sentiment that applies to much of todays world.

We were in Doha when the Danish cartoon story broke - and no, we're not going to publish them, and we have been watching a small story sweep the world like wildfire. This has been discussed to death, but we would like to make a few points based on what we've seen and heard.

What's the word in the souk?
It is true that Muslims are offended by the cartoons but the general feeling is that they're not too upset about it, just wanting the Danes to recognise the genuine hurt caused and apologise. If they're angry it is about the Danish government's incompetant response.

So, who's making the fuss?
There are a few extremist preachers who are whipping up this storm in a tea cup, for political reasons. From the original dossier that was spread, with duplicitous contents, there has been a deliberate incitement by fundamentalists/extremists.

It is clear from the reports and photos of the demonstrations that the protests are about a lot more than the cartoons. The preachers and operators behind the scenes are feeding of the feelings of powerlessness and alienation many young muslims have. The protestors are almost all young. One wonders where they are getting their pre-written placards from...

How are the protestors regarded?
Most Muslims are very angry about the protests. They regard the protestors as playing into their enemies hands by acting as if Muslims are a bunch of homicidal lunatics.

Many Muslims also find the actions of the protestors offensive and strenously object to the chants that are being shouted, the slogans on the placards and the desecration of flags and buildings.

Within Islam there is a struggle between the more fundamentalist Wahabi interpretation and other less literalist and more spiritual approaches to understanding the Koran.

Recommended articles:
Clash of the Uncivilized: Insights on the Cartoon Controversy by By Imam Zaid Shakir of the Zaytuna Institute.
Why I reject the anarchists who claim to speak for Islam by Fareena Alam, editor of Q-News, the Muslim magazine

Something to protest about:
But, sadly hardly anyone is protesting about something that does desecrate the memory of the Prophet Muhammed: Saudi's to turn Muhammed's house into a parking lot.