Religion of Peace?

Religion of Peace? is the title of a forthcoming book from World Ahead written by filmmaker Gregory Davis. It's also a convenient question to ask about Islam in light of the Muslim world's reaction to the Pope's academic speech last week in which he quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor who said (quoting Sky) "everything Mohammed brought was evil 'such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.' "

The Pope's views on Islam have been crystal clear for a long time. The Muslim world's mullahs and the West's liberal media (e.g. the NYT) are purposefully misquoting his speech for their own ends -- the former to strengthen their hand over the Arab Street, and the latter to continue their knee jerk left-wing attack on institutions supporting traditional values. It looks like they're getting what they hoped for:


Indonesian Muslim protesters hold up signs during a rally outside the Vatican embassy in Jakarta September 18, 2006. The sign on the right reads, 'Let's crucify Paus (Pope)'. (Dadang Tri/Reuters)