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Post by me on Feb 3, 2006 0:13:54 GMT -5
there are reports of strong protests in much of the Muslim world as a result of some cartoon depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in certain European newspapers.
this seems to have developed into a big deal, with other papers reprinting the offending cartoons as news, so readers will know what all the fuss is about. BBC has even broadcast the images.
this has developed into quite a row, with kidnappings of European diplomats as well as threats against other European citizens.
it's getting ugly out there. so, i thought people should be aware.
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Post by Eagle on Feb 3, 2006 3:39:30 GMT -5
There was an interesting Editorial and Cartoon in our local paper yesterday with regard to that situation and the protests. The Editors pointed out the hypocrisy of those protesting the cartoons. I can reprint this if anyone is interested? Unfortunately, I don't have a Scanner at the moment so can't provide the cartoon (it was published in a public domain, so I don't see any probem in adding it here).
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Post by dumbdiety on Feb 3, 2006 9:21:19 GMT -5
Probably best if ya'll didn't post the cartoon here. I'll provide a description though:
One shows Muhammad in a turbin shaped like a bomb, while another has him saying something to the effect of that they are running out of virgins for all the suicide bombers.
They are in an uproar over this because you aren't supposed to depict the Prophet Muhammad.
So if your overseas right now, BE CAREFUL!
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Post by Eagle on Feb 3, 2006 15:24:36 GMT -5
Doug, this was a different cartoon, not the one that is causing all the fuss in Europe. Let's see if I can describe it:
The first frame is titled "Outrage over some cartoons" and shows a bearded individual with an angry look on his face, screaming "Blasphemy!!! Death to Cartoonists!". The next frame is titled "Outrage over the treatment of women, hostage beheadings, suicide bombings, honor kilings" and shows the same individual with an disinterested look on his face. He's looking at his watch and saying "oops... getting late, gotta go".
According to the news a few minutes ago, there were violent demonstration in Jakarta today, and more demonstrations planned at the Danish Embassy in London. Any of our members in London right now might want to stay clear of that part of town!
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Post by LHR02 on Feb 8, 2006 12:58:29 GMT -5
This is getting HUGE coverage here, not just in the English press but here in Italy it leads every newscast. I don't need to be remotely fluent to hear that it is much being discussed and frankly there is a very noticible tension in the air. Ifind myself even more aware than normal of my surroundings and much more hesitant of crowds. It is getting very ugly and I don't see from here a quick resolution.
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Post by Eagle on Feb 9, 2006 0:50:40 GMT -5
Ging, It's somewhat surprising that the cartoons first appeared in Danish newspapers over four months ago, and yet the demonstrations just started recently. I guess it took them some time to get "wound up"?
The situation is getting daily coverage here also, although it tends to occur later in the newscasts in the "world news" segment. I did notice that it's much more prominent in the Italian newscasts, as you mentioned (I watch "Telegiornale 24" several times a day - can't understand all of it, but I'm usually able to get some idea what is being reported).
I've heard some commentary by "middle east experts" and many of them seem to feel that there's a small group with a "hidden agenda" that are behind many of the demonstrations. Hopefully, this nonsense will end soon!!!
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Post by WillTravel on Feb 9, 2006 1:52:02 GMT -5
I try to stay away from political topics, but it's clear there was a well-organized agenda behind these "spontaneous" outburts, originating at the top level of certain middle Eastern governments.
When the Satanic Verses controversy happened, and author Salman Rushdie's life was directly threatened, I rushed out and got the Satanic Verses. It took me ages to actually read the book, but now that I have, I strongly recommend it. It takes a lot of concentration, though, and it's just simply an unusual book for which I'm missing an entire frame of cultural reference. Rushdie was given a death sentence because his book was said to defame the prophet (and a couple of translators and publishers were actually killed because of this). I'm not sure what to suggest to buy in this instance, except maybe Danish goods.
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Post by me on Feb 9, 2006 9:42:13 GMT -5
it really wasn't my intent to bring up "politics." i just wanted travelers to be aware of dangers that exist right now.
- d
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Post by WillTravel on Feb 9, 2006 10:11:12 GMT -5
No problem, David! I would sort of have mixed feelings about going to Denmark right now, although my daughter does want to go to Copenhagen.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 9, 2006 17:59:10 GMT -5
Well I am really fearful about all of this, it's a sad situation. Ging, (and all of you others in Europe) stay safe  It makes me hope this will get better soon cause i'm planning on going there in August after my semester abroad WEll... what is the world coming to |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Feb 9, 2006 18:26:28 GMT -5
I'm really not too worried about this. I think the situation in Europe has been portrayed by the media to be worse than it actually is.
That said, the situation in many Islamic nations really is beginning to get out of hand.
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Post by me on Feb 9, 2006 19:28:50 GMT -5
actually, i think this was a contributing factor in Mom's decision not to go to Münster. not that she's worried about Münster, per se, just the whole situation in Europe, generally.
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