a voice of reason in the Muslim World?

The printing of the Muhammed cartoons is justifiable, according the the world at large as freedom of the press

The hurt it caused to every single Muslim is understandable - pure, raw human emotion

Freedom to protest is necessary - they bring about reform - consider the peaceful civil rights movement in the US and the peaceful freedom marches in India against the British Empire (there were violent ones too)

However - the protests in the Muslim world have escalated to beyond the cartoons. Burning the efigy of President Bush, burning down cinemas, fast food restaurants, embassies - all perceived as symbols of the West - has little to do with the cartoons. In fact the US has condemned the irresponsibilty of republishing the cartoons. The US should be applauded for that!

One of the few sincere and plausible voices of reason I have heard about this is from Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Ellahi: "Is this the image of ourselves that we want to paint for the outside world?" Are we trying to convince the West that Muslims are indeed violent people?"

"Salaam walyaikum" (peace be upon you) is the universal Islamic greeting - so the Muslim world could consider if its actions are really pleasing to Creator of the Universe and the Defender of the Worlds.

Peace be upon you too...