Pakistani Shiite Muslims shout slogans during an anti-Danish protest rally in Karachi. Appeals for calm in the furor over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed went unheeded as police shot dead four more protestors during rioting in Afghanistan, bringing the worldwide death toll to 13(AFP/Rizwan Tabassum)

An Afghan man stands near a truck set on fire by protesters as a US helicopter patrols near a U.S. military base in Qalat, northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006. Police shot dead four people Wednesday as Afghans enraged over the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad shifted their fury from Europe to America, marching on a U.S. military base in a volatile southern province. (AP Photo/Noor Khan)

MORE: Muslim protests against libel of Holy Prophet Muhammed

http://indybay.org/news/2006/02/1800798.php

Feb. 8 (al-manar)--Addressing Iranian air force personnel Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said that the demonstrations against the cartoons were not targeting Christians but against quote malicious hands which are playing upon politicians of the world.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei contended "Prophet Muhammad is the centre of all the passions and love of the Islamic world. He is the axis of the unity and co-operation of all the Islamic religion. Muslims should show enthusiasm and reactions from themselves. In the meantime, everybody should know that demonstrations of Muslims' anger are not against the Christians around the world. These rallies are against malicious hands which are playing upon politicians of the hegemonic world."

PHOTO: Sarajevo

Veiled Bosnian Muslim women protest cartoons published in Western newspapers in central Sarajevo, February 8, 2006. (Danilo Krstanovic/Reuters)
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Beirut Feb. 8 (al-manar)--Protests continued in the Islamic World over the insulting cartoon of Prophet Mohammed. Four people were killed during new protests in Afghanistan taking the death toll from five days of demonstrations to 11 people.

Muslims across the Islamic world staged more angry protests against the publication of irreverent caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in Western newspapers.

Four people were killed during new protests in Afghanistan taking the death toll from five days of demonstrations to 11. The latest deaths occurred as protestors and police clashed in Qalat, the capital of southern Zabul province, while new demonstrations were held in the national capital Kabul and in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

In the remote northern town of Maymana five Norwegian soldiers were lightly wounded Tuesday by stones thrown by demonstrators as well as fragments from a hand-grenade.

In neighboring Pakistan thousands of protesters burned an effigy of US President George W. Bush in the remote Pakistani tribal area. Around 3,000 demonstrators in Dara Adamkhel, which is near the
Afghan border, accused Bush of being behind the caricatures.

Protests spread to the Azeri capital Baku where hundreds of people took part in a rally staged without official permission in the city centre. Scuffles broke out between police and the protesters and several arrests were made.

Hundred demonstrators, mainly teenagers, marched through the streets of the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Palestinians joined in the spreading Muslim outrage as several hundred Palestinians took to the streets of Rafah in Gaza. Carrying copies of the Koran, Protesters condemned the publication of the cartoons as an insult to Islam.

In Jordan protesters gathered near the Danish consulate in Amman, burning Danish, Israeli and American flags and calling for a boycott of Danish, Norwegian and U.S. goods.

Several hundred angry protesters marched on the Danish embassy in Tehran in a second successive day of protests in Iran over the insulting cartoons.

The embassy in Tehran was pelted with stones and petrol bombs and about 20 of the protesters had managed to climb over the high wall into the diplomatic compound. Dozens of riot police kept an eye on the crowd outside the compound.

Meanwhile Iran's best-selling newspaper launched a competition to test the boundaries of free speech the reason given by many European newspapers for publishing the cartoons of the Prophet. The Iranian daily 'Hamshahri' said the contest was to find the best cartoon about the Holocaust.

The move came as an Israeli newspaper reprinted a miniature version of the original page of the caricatures that appeared in the Danish daily. The U.S. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack was quick to criticize the Iranian newspaper's idea.

He said "It's outrageous. Any attempt to mock or to in any way denigrate the horror that was the Holocaust is simply outrageous. In this proposal you can hear the echoes of President Ahmadinejad's statements concerning the Holocaust, concerning his statements about wiping Israel off the map. And while we are certainly forthright and fore-square behind promotion of freedom of expression throughout the world, including in Iran, I don't think that anybody would draw any equivalences between, quote/unquote, "freedom of the press" in Iran and freedom of the press in Western Europe or the United States."

The Brussels-based Conference of European Rabbis denounced the idea and urged the Muslim world to do likewise.

COPENHAGEN (AFP) - Hackers have attacked hundreds of Danish websites in recent days to protest against the publication in Denmark of cartoons of Prophet Mohammed, Internet security officials said.

The hackers have defaced home pages and websites by replacing them with messages hailing Islam and condemning the cartoons, security and virus analyst Peter Kruse of Danish internet security firm CSIS told AFP.

"About 500 Danish websites have been targetted that we know of because of the Mohammed cartoons ... (and) the number continues to rise dramatically," Kruse said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060208/tc_afp/europeislammedia_060208170326

Palestinians throw stones at the offices of the Temporary International Presence in the West Bank city of Hebron. A team of European observers was to pull out of Hebron after its offices were attacked in riots against cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, a spokeswoman said.(AFP/Hazem Bader)

Occupied Jerusalem, Feb. 8 (PIC)--Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, on Wednesday urged the Danish government to prosecute the editor who allowed publication of the cartoons depicting prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, in an unbecoming manner.

Sabri, commenting on Denmark's invitation for dialogue to end the crisis, said that dialogue was good and acceptable only after an official Danish apology. He explained, "Because even if the press is owned by certain persons, yet the government remains responsible for all its citizens and institutions in general".

The Mufti described the state of anger engulfing the Muslim world over the caricatures as pressure means on Denmark, so that other countries would realize that insulting the prophet would only lead to harming their interests.

Sabri affirmed in conclusion that there was nothing called absolute freedom, elaborating that freedom ends when it collides with others' freedom.

PHOTO: Sarajevo

Bosnian Muslims carry an Islamic flag and banners in front of the Danish embassy in central Sarajevo, February 8, 2006. (Danilo Krstanovic/Reuters)
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By Dr. Aslam Abdullah

Feb. 8 (Muslim Uzbekistan)--The detestable cartoon portrayals of Muhammad , Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) by Danish and later by Norwegian, French, German and many other European newspapers is nothing less than emotional torture and intellectual terrorism.

In the name of freedom of speech, the most sophisticated professional class of European print media organizations are revealing their centuries old hatred and intolerance towards Islam and Muslims.

In universities, European and American journalists are often taught that freedom of speech ends where the sensitivities of people begin. Seemingly, they have failed to implement this most ethical and moral lesson. A newspaper, whether Danish or Portuguese, that indulges in opinionated reporting by making fun of a major religious figure revered by a global community is an exercise in emotional torture.

Showing solidarity with those who promote such kind of propaganda does not promote "free speech" but in fact promotes intolerance and violence that hurts innocent people all over the word. However, this is not a new phenomenon. Many European and American scholars, academics and intellectuals as well as public officials have remained engaged from seventh century onwards in anti-Islam, anti-Muslim and anti-Prophet Muhammad campaigns.

They have refused to show civility in dealing with issues pertaining to the second largest religion in the world. After all, it was Martin Luther, the great Christian reformer to whom almost every Christian Protestant group owes its origin produced the worst writings against Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Those who are unable to overcome their hatred and ignorance of Islam will not stop from promoting their agenda. To expect otherwise from such intolerant people would be futile. However, what was surprising was the silence of Christian and Jewish community and religious leaders on this issue? Through their interfaith dialogue with Muslims they must have realized the sanctity and sacredness Muslims attach to their religious values.

We are brothers and sisters in humanity and all of us should share a common goal of eradicating intolerance of any kind by speaking out against it. Whether it is a Jew or a Gypsy, we should not tolerate such hateful rhetoric. Yet, only a handful of community and religious leaders spoke out.

What was even more disturbing was the response of Muslims. Boycotting Danish products, closing down the offices of European diplomatic offices and the beating of Dane's working in the Gulf were measures that did not suit a community whose Prophet is described in the divine scriptures as a Mercy to Humankind.

Immediately, after the battle of Badr, Omar bin al Khattab, one of the most celebrated companions of Prophet sought the permission of the state to punish Suhail bin Amr, a prisoner of war who had engaged in anti-Prophet Muhammad propaganda in Makkah. Suhail was known for his abusive language and insulting attitude towards the Prophet. Prophet Muhammad , as the ruler of the newly formed Islamic State strictly prohibited his companions from punishing or torturing any prisoner of war on account of their past hostilities. He admonished Omar bin al-Khattab for seeking retribution. After all, the Prophet had endured all the possible humiliation at the hands of the elites of Makkah and their supporters without asking any of his supporters to silence his opponents.

Islam recognizes the dissent to its teachings and appeals to its adherents to deal with it in a civil manner. Islam promotes the idea that a polite response and a decent rebuttal are powerful enough in changing the worst enemy into a friend. Islam does not seek revenge of those who indulge in anti-Islam, anti-God or anti-Prophet abuses. Furthermore, Islam prohibits the use of pressure and intimidation for changing the hearts of people.

Islam teaches us that coercion is incapable of bringing a change in the attitude of people. Intimidation might make others change their immediate reaction to Islam but ultimately it is futile because every individual has to make a conscious decision about his or her relations with God and His creation.

The provocation of Danish and other European newspapers was foolish and full of hatred. There is no need for such provocation in a world that is fast becoming cosmopolitan in all its dimensions. The freedom of speech cannot be used as an excuse to hurt or insult others. Moreover, there exists double standards in this matter among most European and American journalists working for big media corporations. Most of these advocates of freedom of speech do not dare write against the foul practices of multinational corporations that often provide bread and butter to most working journalists. Most of them do not dare to expose the dirty trade practices, excessive exploitation and other violation of human rights of people working in such corporations. Most of them would not even touch the so called issues of national security even if the position of the power elite is against national interests. A case in point is the War in Iraq.

The majority of the European and American journalists working for big corporation controlled media have not questioned the rationale behind going to war in Iraq.

In fact, their anti-Islamic writings betray their loyalty to the power elites who are keen in promoting a hateful agenda against Muslims. Muslims ought to be cognizant of these facts. Our response to such Insults and humiliation should be based on the divine teachings and the lifestyle of our Prophet. We must not give in to our emotions.

We could have done much better if our response was controlled by the Divine teachings. We could have asked the Danish and other newspapers to allow us to introduce our Prophet to their audience the way we see him. We should have engaged the Dane's and others in a meaningful dialogue and discussion on the true nature of our faith and the true personality of our Prophet.

We should rise above our emotions to use this moment to educate others about Islam in an objective manner. It is the responsibility of our religious and intellectual leaders to direct our masses in developing a meaningful response to incidents of hate and racial bigotry.

No doubt, each of us feels hurt when we see an offensive depiction of our faith or our Prophet. However, rather than reacting in an emotional manner, we should use the opportunity to demonstrate true Islamic values of patience and persuasion. We showed our weakness in controlling our emotions when Salman Rushdie insulted our Prophet. We have repeated the same mistake. By now we should have learned about the teachings of our prophet in dealing with such cases. Perhaps we need to go back to study the life of our Prophet in more detail to develop a better understanding of his character and teachings as well as his mission in the world. After all, we accept him as a Mercy to Humankind that includes Dane's, Norwegian, French, Germans, Jews, Christians and every human being that exists or will exist in our universe.

http://www.muslimuzbekistan.net/en/centralasia/featured/story.php?ID=2516

Protests around the world.

India:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/scp_v3/viewer/index.php?pid=16012&rn=49750&cl=271909'&ch=68276

Tehran:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/scp_v3/viewer/index.php?pid=16012&rn=49750&cl=270318&ch=68276

Damascus:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/scp_v3/viewer/index.php?pid=16012&rn=49750&cl=269086',&39;playerWindow&39;,&39;width=793,height=608,scrollbars=no&39

Beruit:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/scp_v3/viewer/index.php?pid=16012&rn=49750&cl=269248&ch=49799

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Collection of Photos.

Libel against Holy Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) Sweeps America, Feb. 6 2006
http://indybay.org/news/2006/02/1800530.php

Libel against Holy Prophet Muhammed appears at U of W, Feb. 5 2006
http://indybay.org/news/2006/02/1800319.php

RFE/RL 08/02/2006 08:25

Russian President Vladimir Putin today urged Denmark to apologize for controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

"Any provocation in this area is absolutely unacceptable,"Putin said. "One should think 100 times before publishing anything, doing anything, or drawing anything."

http://www.bakutoday.net/view.php?d=16171
He said that "if a state cannot prevent such publications, it should at least ask for forgiveness."

Putin made the comments in an interview published today in Spanish newspapers ahead of his arrival later today in Spain on a two-day visit.

Outraged Muslims have staged protests across the world against the cartoons, which were first published in a Danish daily and later reprinted in other European newspapers in a gesture of support for freedom of expression.

(AFP)

Iranian anti-riot police officers stand guard as a protester throws a stone to the building of the British embassy Wednesday Feb. 8, 2006 in Tehran during an anti-British protest by some 50 people over the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad .(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

A burnt police car lays in the town of Qalat after a protest in Zabul province, Afghanistan February 8, 2006. At least two Afghans were killed and 16 wounded during a protest in the southern province of Zabul on Wednesday against cartoons in European newspapers depicting Islam's Prophet Mohammad a police official said. REUTERS/Ismail Sameem

Bosnian Muslims burn flags of Denmark, Norway and Croatia in front of the Norwegian embassy in central Sarajevo February 8, 2006, in a protest against the publishing of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad. About 1,500 people protested in front of the embassies of Denmark, where the cartoons were first published in September, Norway and France. REUTERS/ Danilo Krstanovic Email Photo Print Photo

Nonne qui tacet consentir videtur?

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Some 500 Turks shout anti-European slogans as they march to the Danish Embassy to denounce the publication of caricatures of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in European newspapers, in Ankara, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006. Banners read:

'Hands that reach the Prophet must be broken'

'Jesus Christ will not forgive you.' (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

The very flag of this religion and that political entity sports a sword. No relation to the violence we're witnessing, eh?

we must have respect for others' religions!!!

having respect.