DUBAI – Denmark is the villain and not the other countries that have reprinted the controversial cartoons insulting to Islam, says a cross-section of Muslims interviewed by your favourite No. 1 newspaper Khaleej Times.
The Muslim world will not be satisfied with anything less than an apology from the Danish government and quicker action against those who have offended the sentiments of the Muslim and Arab world through the publication of the objectionable cartoons, they said in an ongoing survey.
"It is Denmark that should take the full blame for what has gone wrong, and apologise to the Muslims, as they raked up this problem and committed a wrong act," said Mohammed Ismail, a businessman in Deira.
"I agree that France, Germany and even Jordan have reprinted those cartoons, but how can we blame them? They were only telling their readers what this controversy was all about. That is what newspapers do. They didn’t mean it as an insult to Islam," he pointed out.
"We have nothing against France or Germany. They are not the ones who insulted us. But Denmark’s case is different. It should not be confused with what others did by way of reprinting the objectionable cartoons," said Jamal Ahmed, a media professional.
"See how swiftly France reacted by dismissing an editor responsible for reprinting the cartoon in the media there. And Denmark is refusing to apologise or take action against those responsible," noted Ahmed Ali, an engineering student.
"A mistake is a mistake. There is no point keeping quiet about it. Denmark knows its businesses are heavily dependent on the Gulf region and the Muslim world. It cannot have the cake and eat it too. Either apologise or face the boycott of Danish goods," said Ibrahim Adil, a computer professional.
