Rediscovering Our Backbones

Here's a good article on the latest Rushdie affair, free speech, and the results of constantly backing down from Muslim extremists:

Rediscovering Our Backbones

Islam vs. Salman Rushdie . . . Again

Salman Rushdie, author of the infamous Satanic Verses, is now "Sir" Salman Rushdie. Several people were killed in response to his book, which was published nearly two decades ago. Muslims are now reacting to the knighthood of the author with threats of violence. A Canadian article reports that a Pakistani government official has said:

"The West is accusing Muslims of extremism and terrorism. (But) If someone exploded a bomb on his body, he would be right to do so unless the British government apologizes and withdraws the sir title.”

Government officials aren’t the only ones calling for Rushdie’s execution, however. According to the article, “In the eastern city of Multan, Muslim students burned effigies of the Queen and Rushdie. About 100 students carrying banners condemning the author also chanted, ‘Kill him! Kill him!’”

For more on this issue, the following articles may be consulted:

“Pakistan Minister Says Salman Rushdie’s Knighthood Justifies Suicide Attacks”

“Behead All Those Who Insult Islam”

“Pakistan Says Rushdie Knighthood May Spark Terrorism”