I Don't Think Hamas Liked Them Either

David Beito describes Iraq's reaction to the Jyllands-Posten cartoons:

The Shi'ite dominated central government, and its chief guru Ayatollah Sistani have consistently and sharply criticized the Danes for publishing the cartoons. The democratically elected provincial council of Basra has been particularly vigorous in opposing the Danes and shows no signs of letting up. It has now demanded "the withdrawal of all Danish forces from inside Basra until the Danish Government apologizes to all Muslims in the world."

If I were a Dane, I'd say withdraw, don't apologize, and call it a double win. Alas, the official reaction in Denmark went in a different direction.

Update: Afghanistan isn't bucking for the Nat Hentoff seal of approval either.

Comments

[Solon]

Jesse, I think you've come up with the withdrawal plan every Democrat was hoping for.

[theCoach]

Solon,
Pretty similar to Yglesias plan to mark victory at elections, and then get out.

Not such a bad outcome. There were many better ways to spend America's Trillion dollars, soldiers' lives and the international reputation of the US, but a Sadaam-less Iraq with elections is a positive thing.

[R C Dean]

Yes, nothing lays the groundwork for success like giving religious fanatics what they ask for.

[c]

Yes, nothing lays the groundwork for success like giving religious fanatics what they ask for.

You mean like deposing the dictator that was standing in the way of establishing their theocracy?

[mewsifer]

It's worth pointing out that al-Sistani also said that people in Islamic nations were partly to blame for the cartoons because of dark actions being perpetrated in the name of Islam.

[quasibill]

"Yes, nothing lays the groundwork for success like giving religious fanatics what they ask for."

You mean like handing all the reins of the fedgov to the Republicans?

Sorry, couldn't resist 🙂

[SPD]

Yes, nothing lays the groundwork for success like giving religious fanatics what they ask for.

And our government helped make it possible! Hooray!

[Pro Libertate]

I've changed my mind. Cartoons are Satan's work. I've recently learned that cartoons were used to blaspheme Bear Bryant. Alas, our holy Southern Trinity--Bryant, Presley, and Earnhardt--has been besmirched. Woe is me! InshaBeara! Oh, the humanity!