I wanted to post a brief update on this ridiculous cartoon fiasco that has enraged the Muslim world and set off international political shockwaves in the last few days. I touched on it yesterday, but here are some new developments that paint a clearer picture of what actually is happening:
1) Apparently, these cartoons have been in print since September of 2005; the recent reprinting of the images in various EU countries is what sparked the current fiasco. There have also been rumors of Muslim clerics in Denmark adding more inflammatory images to the set of cartoons that they sent to colleagues in predominantly Muslim countries.
2) Now, Iranian newspapers are getting revenge by holding a contest for cartoons depicting the Holocaust as well as crimes committed by America and Israel.
3) Condi Rice and the President are biting back at Syria and Iran for intentionally stoking the anger of their citizens as well as refusing to protect embassies in their countries that have been attacked by protesters. Some Muslim leaders have joined in as well to urge non-violence.
4) A French newspaper has reprinted the controversial images in a plea for a free press, much to the chagrin of President Chirac. The Muslim world, it is safe to say, is not happy about this recent development.
5) Finally, the Danish newspaper that started it all is offering to publish the Holocaust cartoons that the Iranian newspaper is soliciting in response to the Muhammed cartoons.
Meanwhile, Muslim nations are boycotting Danish products, taking Danish imports off the shelves, and trying to cut off all economic activity with Denmark. That is not going to help the already tenuous trading and economic situation between the EU and some of these countries.
Stay tuned. This probably isn't over yet.
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