Iran new focus of caricature protest Options

[*mipadi*]

Iran new focus of caricature protest

Iran cut off trade ties with Denmark and Iranians pelted the Austrian Embassy with Molotov cocktails and stones on Monday in the latest protest over the publication of satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in European newspapers.

The 200 protesters, chanting “God is Greatest” and “Europe, Europe, shame on you,” smashed all the embassy’s windows with stones and then tried to hurl Molotov cocktails inside. They exploded in flames against metal grills guarding the windows, and the fires were quickly put out by police with fire extinguishers.

Austria currently holds the presidency of the European Union. Protesters also waved placards and shouted slogans against the EU’s stance on Iran’s nuclear program.

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[DizzyDucky09]

Thts messed up, the newspaper shouldn't have put tht cartoon in. They should respect other's religion, it was basically degrading the muslim religion

[innovation]

^ I agree; but it still doesn't justify their targeting of the states themselves, when it was a private media corporation (if I remember correctly) that printed those cartoons.

And AHA, this is what Justin was talking about! I now see your point, JC. But still, are they associated with an organized terrorist movement?

[*islandgirl4eva*]

I have been interested in this story since I first saw it on the news and I was shocked that they would publish a cartoon like that. Honestly, taking a religious figure, and one of such a strong and prominent religion in our world, and treating it in such a way, that's wrong.

Sure, in journalism, there are boundaries you cross, but in my opinion that was taking it too far. What else was to be expected but anger and resentment?

I do, however, feel that the rioting is uncalled for. As said in the article, Islam states the right of it's followers to demonstrate, but it does not call for violent actions.

This is a sticky situation. Very sticky indeed.

[*not_your_average*]

I agree.

I mean, the cartoons were offensive, and Muslims have a right to be angry. But rioting isn't going to solve anything at all.

[*mipadi*]

The cartoons didn't cause the rioting--the rioting is merely an expression of pre-existing resentment of Amero-European powers, especially America's and Europe's occupation of Iraq and support of Israel. The cartoons are nothing but a convenient excuse for militant Muslim extremists to cause violence.