more problems with Muslims and free speech
The West has a PR problem (deserved or not is tangential) with The Muslim World.
The Muslim World has a PR problem (deserved or not is tangential) with The West.

The West is currently trying to solve this problem with militarily imposed political reform.
this solution is failing
and was destined to fail from its inception.
recent studies show that "most" Muslims want democracy ("western-style" even)
but that they refuse to accept it if it is imposed upon them.
fair enough.

The Muslim World thinks it can solve its PR problem
through outrage, righteous indignation and protest.
this solution is also failing
and was destined to fail from its inception.
here's why:
in a western-style democracy,
the freedom of speech gives artists and political commentators
the right to say things that piss you off and upset you.
you, of course, have the right to protest and complain,
but resorting to threats of violence is anti-social.
it takes you outside the realm of western-style democracy
in terms of conflict resolution.

which is why The West's attempt to use force is failing.
this too is anti-social and falls outside the realm of western-style democracy.
you cannot force people to vote in a freely elected government at the barrel of a gun.


i am glad that some of Europe has decided that peaceful protest
against the Muslim world's demand for political immunity from critique
is the best and most effective solution.
i am glad that in the face of violence they continue.
but,
it saddens me that the Muslim world just isn't getting it.
if they want to freely embrace and accept western-style democracy,
they are going to need to grow a thicker skin
and learn about how to laugh at oneself
and to learn to laugh at those to whom you are associated by label
with whom you do not actually agree.

aka "life isn't fair. life is tough. buy a helmet and get over it."