Opinion Makers: credible, articulate.

In the present state of the worlds progress it is highly inadvisable that people in wholly different stages of civilization even although both equally high, shall be thrown into intimate contact.
“An Autobiography” by Theodore Roosevelt – Referencing Japanese immigrants to California decades before Pearl Harbour.

Nobody can predict the specifics of culture twenty years from now. However, we can be sure that the chemistry for conflict is brewing today. Two cultures with core beliefs that are obtuse will always clash. The intensity of those beliefs will grow when the other contrasts them.

The recent Comic protests have illuminated a situation that the globe must come to terms with. The Middle East is not ready for Democracy.

There is little doubt that a serious Islamic taboo was crossed. Western media was reckless is a show solidarity for freedom of speech.

There is little doubt that a serious democratic taboo was crossed. Muslim leaders were reckless in a show of solidarity for Mohammad’s honour.

Cooler heads must prevail.

However, coolness is hard to arbitrate on a people that already feel marginalized and arbitrated. They have been pushed too far.

It is not necessarily true that thy have been pushed too far, but it is true that many believe they have been pushed too far. This belief, coupled with promises of heavenly rewards for Jihadist’s breeds trouble. Not only today, but also when the kids of Al-Kida grow up, and when their children grow up.

Cartoons are not the issue.
They are only the ironic illustration of the issue.

Freedom of speech is not the issue
Mohammad’s Honour is not the issue
These are only the rallying cries, the rhetoric, the “Remember-the-Alamos”

The issue is older that this year.
It was fought years ago in Iraq
Decades ago in Israel.
Centuries ago in crusades.
Millenniums ago in Palestine.
Epochs ago in every tribe, language, and nation.

The issue is power
Whoever has the power makes the rules and protects their beliefs, values, and culture.