Insensitivity of the West - Perspective

Flag burning in protest to the alleged
desecration of the Koran by Military
officers in Afghanistan

The recent dishonoring of the Holy Qur'an (Koran) by American interrogation officers in Afghanistan has caused worldwide furore amongst the Muslims. Already, dozens of people have been killed in riots in Afghanistan. Peaceful, yet powerful protests are being held in several other Muslim countries. What the west does not understand is that such provaocative techniques are considered extremely despicable by all Muslims. Islam preaches love, peace, and tolerance, and when muslims are treated otherwise, it infuriates them. Unfortunately, the ignorance of the west has already cost many wars and many more lives and yet, they do not cease to manifest their stupidity by continuing to be indifferent to the feelings of the Muslims and their religion; a religion that boasts the second largest number of followers in the world.

In his first term, Mr. Bush, being the chief ambassador of the so called war on terror, (read: War on Islam) idiotically proclaimed a new 'crusade' which led to a huge outcry from the Islamic world once again. Unless the west, America in particular, starts to educate itself on what tolerance is about, and be respectful to religions in general, the continued violent response from the Muslim world will not cease. Abusing Iraqi prisoners, using contentious words such as the "New Crusade", desecrating the Noble Koran, are all acts that have scarred the hearts and minds of many Muslims around the globe, and winning them back will be a monumental task.